Wooden Dowling for hen roosts

[jakenhyde]

I'm Jim and I live near Sheridan, Montana. I built a nice 8x8 well insulated chicken coop. But I've only got some temporary roosts for now.
I want to build some permanent roosts for the girls. They'll hinge at the top so I can raise them while cleaning under them.
What I'd like to know is what diameter wooden dowling should I use for the roosts. I'm thinking that one inch material should do the job.
I've got mostly golden sex link hens, with a couple of black sex links thrown in. I just bought 14 more golden sex link chicks at our local farm store in Butte, Montana a week ago and they're doing just great. Bright-eyed and bushy tailed.
Thanks in advance for any information you folks can pass my way. Sincerely, Jim S.

 

[jetdog]

2x4's laying flat works well or a tree branch a 2 1/2 to 3 inch would be a good size, I think I would stay away from the dowel.

 

[jakenhyde]

Thanks for the reply. Makes sense.

 

[chfite]

Chickens don't grip a limb in the manner of many other birds. They sit on the roost. A flat board such as a 2 x 4 on the flat will work well for them.

Chris

 

[jakenhyde]

Thanks. I'll rethink how I want to proceed with my project.