which roost is better

[Dustoff79]

Is the Ladder type roost better than having the roosts all at same height? I see advantages of both but I lean toward the ladder type to allow the chickens to choose the height and easier to get to. any thoughts?

 

[AllChookUp]

I think the only positive about the "same height" roost is that it's easier to put a droppings-board under it for cleaning.

The ladder-type seems to help allow them to clearly develop a pecking order.

.

 

[mmajw]

I love our ladder type and it is at an incline so no pooping on each other and they are not squished onto a single roost.

 

[JohnL11935]

The ladder-type roost will also allow for more roosting space within the same amount of horizontal (floor) space because you are now going vertical.

Does that make sense?



.

 

[Dustoff79]

I tend to agree with these comments, and have one other question. How far from the wall should the highest (top) roost be? I have heavy breeds, so is 6" enough?

 

[redoak]

The ladder type also allows a step for heavy breeds to get up on the roost and down off. My buff orpingtons sound like a brick landing if and when they fly off the roost instead of using the step. My roost is about 12 inches away from the wall. I wanted it far enough away so I wouldn't get any "streaks" going down the wall behind the roost.

 

[quercus21]

We started with the ladder style made out of tree branches and some of the chickens were using it, but no one ever used the bottom rung and a group of them always huddled together on the floor. So, we made a single roost from 8ft of 2x4 along one wall and they LOVE it and are all up there together every night.
G

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I'd suggest more space, like a foot or more. Remember that chickens stick out to the fore and aft of their feet

and if it is a solid wall they will usually choose to roost tails-to. Plus, having more space between roost and wall demands less gymnastic grace from them when they are walking/flapping/turning/etc around up there

Have fun,

Pat

 

[JohnL11935]

I used 18" from wall and between roosts when I built mine.


.