will this roost location work or should I move it?

[pdxchristine]

I put this through the wall separating the coop from the run, it's about 2ft long and there is about 10 inches of clearance on either side of it to where the wall/hardware cloth is. Do you think it's too narrow for them to get up there or should i wait and see how it goes? Or should I put the roost across the A of the frame? Construction is almost done so they are not super familiar with the coop/run just yet. total height of coop is just under 4 feet.

 

[TheCrazyClucker]

I'd suggest you'd move the roost bar to the inside of the coop so the chickens do not make an easy meal for predators.

 

[pdxchristine]

my apologies, i should have specified. it goes all the way through and to the inside of the coop, same setup as outside (2 feet of roosting space). I had read somewhere that it was suggested to put a roost outside as well as inside. if that won't be used, then I can move it.

 

[redneck farmer]

It looks like you used 1"x2"'s turned on its side.. I would either turn that 1"x2" on its flat side. But how you have the roost running though both the coop an run then ya your fine

 

[TheCrazyClucker]

Well in that case, I should say that if those chickens choose to roost outside they will become an easy pick for predators especially if your run is not secure and if at least one of the chickens is white or mostly white. Chickens go in some sort of trance while they are asleep and will sleep right through rain or snow even if they are in it, and most certainly predator attacks.

 

[pdxchristine]

Well in that case, I should say that if those chickens choose to roost outside they will become an easy pick for predators especially if your run is not secure and if at least one of the chickens is white or mostly white. Chickens go in some sort of trance while they are asleep and will sleep right through rain or snow even if they are in it, and most certainly predator attacks.

I have 1/2 inch hardware cloth on all sides (including bottom) of the run. They will be inside the coop at night. The outside roost is only for daytime.

 

[Scott H]

Greetings Christine...are you worried that they won't have enough clearance to hop up on the roost? I wouldn't worry about a roost outside. Probably won't use it but I could be wrong. The roost should be a 2x4 or even a 2x6 laid on it's side so they don't have to grip it. They like to be high up but roosting with their feet flat is more comfortable if that make sense.

 

[pdxchristine]

Greetings Christine...are you worried that they won't have enough clearance to hop up on the roost? I wouldn't worry about a roost outside. Probably won't use it but I could be wrong. The roost should be a 2x4 or even a 2x6 laid on it's side so they don't have to grip it. They like to be high up but roosting with their feet flat is more comfortable if that make sense.

got it, that answers my question, thanks!