Where to put the roost ?

[mrbillwej]

Hi, when designing my coop should the roost be higher than the nesting box ? or at the same level ? Or does it even matter to the birds ?
thanks, bill-

 

[Zythophile]

I would like to know this also - I bought a premade coup that has the perches only two or so inches higher than the nesting box...my hens seem to prefer sitting on the roof of the hutch!

 

[rocketdoctor]

I have my nesting boxes lower about 2 feet off the ground so they can easily jump into them. The roosts are higher which they climb a ladder to get too.

 

[kimmerjo]

Higher than the nesting boxes . Usually 3-4 feet in the air depending on the type of bird ,coop size ..etc

 

[kimmerjo]

Oh I forgot to add..to stop them from roosting on the nesting boxes add a slanted roof so the slide off

 

[Hokum Coco]

Delete

 

[applecheeks]

"POOP BOARDS are the "BEST" addition yet. Handles well over ½ of the poop in my set up keeps ammonia smell in check 3½" below roost excellent for catching eggs laid through the night (roost are in cups for easier removal and cleaning). I recently friction fit a piece of vinyl flooring over my poop board.it makes clean up even easier; Pop out; Scrap; Hose; Pop in."

Hi again Hokum Coco, I have a question about these poop boards. We built a large cage for the injured pigeon to be used inside (for now) and are at the point where we will put in a roost shelf. The shelf will go all along one side of the cage (about 4 ft long). I can't quite picture how to do this with the poop board. Should the roost be built out from the wire side so that there is a space between it and the wire wall? And then the removable poop board would be up against the wire wall and also beyond the roost at the front? So, there would be one skinnier board on top and the wider poop board under that? We are also planning on putting a little nest box under that in the corner (although it may not be necessary since he'll be in the house) This new cage will likely end up being incorporated into a larger coop when we put it outside in the spring.

 

[MyPetNugget]

double post

 

[MyPetNugget]

Always put the roosting bars over the nesting boxes unless you want the chickens to sleep inside them. They tend to sleep in the highest place available

 

[applecheeks]

Oh, so he won't sleep in the nest box? He'll sleep on the roosting shelf? I didn't realize that. Well, then he really doesn't need a nesting box since he's alone, eh?