Which type of roost is better?

[renebeth]

Is a rounded roost - like a large dowel better or a flat roost like a 2X4?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Put one of each in and let them decide?

 

[PioneerChicks]

Round is normally not recommended unless it is a really wide roost, because birds can sometimes slip off.
Flat ones are good in cold climates because the chickens can lay on their toes to keep them from getting frostbite.
Also, you don't want the chickens' toes to be able to wrap all the way around the perch to the point of touching.

But your flock will want their opinions asked too...

 

[rosemarythyme]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

TL;DR - the type of roost isn't as important to chickens as placement, so use what you want within reason (no slippery materials, nothing too narrow). I use 2" diameter tree branches because they're freely available.

 

[chrissynemetz]

The only round roosts my flock will use are tree branches. Otherwise they prefer flat.

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

I offered mine flat 2x4s and thickish round sticks, and they all chose the sticks. As others have said, let the chickens choose if you can!