yet another roost question

[Dobela]

I was at habitat ReStore today and bought what I think was an older deck railing for $2. All wood about 5.5 ft long 2x4s with 2x2 cross boards about every 9 inches. Total width is about 3 ft, give or take a little. Like this it looks "IIIIIIIIIIIIII" I plan on making it flat so all birds are equal height. Coop is 12x12 so size of this is not a problem.

First, I have read other replies to know we need to most likely cut out every other rail to make 18 inches between rails. No problem. Second, apparently it needs to be about 4 foot off the ground. Easy.

Question 1 - how much roost space do I need per bird? We have a mix of all sizes apparently thanks to buying 3 bantys and 7 assorted sex linked birds, plus are expecting 25 more next week that are Bovan Browns. I am wondering if this will be large enough for 30+ birds.

Question 2. Do ducks need a roost as well, or are they ok just with the kiddie pool in the corner?

The big question - After looking at all the other roosts in photos, I have noticed that the roost runs parallel to the wall it is attached to. W=Wall like so: WIII Would it be a problem if my roost was perpendicular to the wall it is attached to?? Like W= (except that I have a lot more = that would stackup.)

Thanks!

 

[Judy]

Good find!

About 9"-12" of roost space per chicken. They'll crowd together and not use that much, except maybe on hot nights. I know nothing about ducks, sorry, but I can't believe they roost with those feet! I'm sure you can find something in the duck section. Perpendicular is fine. I have 3 roost boards parallel to each other, taking up a corner of the coop, so the roosts are parallel to one wall and perpendicular to the other.