Chicken roost designs
A chicken coop is more than a house, it’s a space where chickens eat, sleep, and lay eggs. This guide will center around sleeping with a list of chicken roost designs. We’ll talk about what a roost is, why a coop needs one, and how chickens use it to sleep at night. These are easy ideas that you can consider when setting up a space fo your chickens to perch on in your coop.
Raising chickens in a coop means giving them an area where they feel safe and secure. Let’s start with a roost that your entire flock will enjoy resting on safely from harm all night.
What came first, the chicken or the coop? Well, for us the chicks came first but that is not something I recommend doing. The coop should be first so you can ensure you have a place for your flock from day one.
A chicken coop plays an important role. It is where your chickens sleep, eat, scratch, and lay their eggs. A chicken coop is a vital part of raising a thriving and healthy flock, and there are key elements you will want to have inside. One of those elements is a roost or a place for your chickens to perch so they can sleep up off the ground safely from any predators.
Let’s look at a few ideas that you can use as inspiration to build an easy and effective roost for your chickens.
Why do Chickens need a Roost?
Chickens do not have the best eyesight at night, and because of that they instinctively look for an area to sleep that is up off the ground. Perching is a natural behavior for chickens because it makes them feel secure so they can rest and sleep without fear or stress. Stress is a common reason for a decrease in egg laying and one you will want to avoid if possible.
What is a roost made of?
A roost can be made of anything, and I have seen all types of designs, from roosts made from PVC pipe to ones made from branches and ladder setups built from scrap wood. As long as it does the job effectively, your roost can be made of anything.
How big of a roost do you need?
When building your roost, it’s important to consider the number of chickens you have and the size of your coop. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least eight inches of roosting space for each chicken.
If you have standard-sized chickens, it is best to give them 12 to 16 inches in width of space to roost. However, if you have smaller breeds such as bantam chickens, then you may only need to give them eight inches of space.
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How far up off the Ground is Best?
The ideal height to install a chicken roost is two feet off the ground, but you can have them higher if needed. Two feet is ideal because it is high enough to keep your chickens safe from predators but not too high for them to jump down from without hurting themselves.
If you decide on a roost that is higher up, such as a perimeter roost, be sure to have easy access both up and down from the roost area such as a ladder or plank.
Do Roosters Need a Chicken Roost?
Roosters also need a chicken roost, just like hens, and will find a spot among the flock to sleep at night as well. If you have issues with henpecking, as we do, you may want to have a smaller roost for your rooster to perch on at night.
Chicken roost designs
There are several types of roost designs you can use. Let’s take a look at some of the most common. Whatever roost design you decide upon, ensure that it is secure and that the roosting area is flat, clean, and dry.
Ladder Style Roost
You can DIY this common roost style using scrap pieces of wood and nailing them together in a ladder shape. Be sure to anchor the top of the roost to the wall of your coop so it does not move when the chickens are using it. You will also want to have support, especially if you have a lot of chickens in your flock.
Cinder Block Roost
This is a quick and easy option that requires no construction at all. Turn a cinderblock on its side and slide a 2×4 through the hold, making a roost that is low to the ground. You can also stack cinderblocks, giving you a higher option if needed.
Perimeter Roost
If you have a small cloop or a large flock, a high perimeter style roost might be a good option to consider. You will need to put the roost out from the wall about 8-10 inches to be sure there is room for your hens. Use support brackets to keep the roost sturdy and stable.
You will also need a ladder or ramp for your chickens to get up and down from this higher roost.
A Roost Made of Branches
A natural roost is a ladder-style made using branches found in nature. It is important to use sturdy and thick branches and enough support to hold the collective weight of your flock. You can hammer them together with nails or use rope or wire to tie them securely into place.
Step Ladder Roost
If you have an old stepladder you no longer use, it will work perfectly as a roost for a small flock. Be sure to have more than one so there is room for everyone to roost comfortably.
Be sure your roost is efficient
Once you have your roost set up, it can be helpful to check on your chickens after a few days to see if they are using it. A few hours after dark or before sunrise is a great time to check. Go to your coop with a flashlight and see if all your chickens use the roost. If you find a few are not, give it a few more days and check again. It can take time for all your chickens to understand how to get up to and stay on a roost throughout the night.
Having a roost for your chickens is a great way to promote a stress-free environment in your coop and with your flock. Choose an option here and get started setting up the perfect chicken roost in your coop.
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