Chicken Roosting Bars Ideas To Help Your Flock Roost | Special Trick That SAVED Us!
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Nothing round except natural tree branches. 1X2 or 2X2 also are good. Ladder arrangement so they don't poop on the lower roosting chickens. Also the roosts should have a wall behind them so the chickens feel safe, they do not want their backs exposed. My Wife (RIP 2017) and I raised chickens and ducks from 2012 to2017. When they all quit laying in 2018 I "retired" the flock. I'm just getting back into raising chickens again this year due to bidenflation. I'm 71 and retired.
I use tree limbs which are more natural for chickens feet. Not perfectly straight but with no side limbs. I peel the bark off so they are smooth. That leaves less places for roost mites to populate. They are larger around at one end and tapered at the other. Being different thickness it allows the chicken to choose what is most comfortable for their feet. I have Brahmas which are a larger breed. The roost is just one pole about 15 inches off the floor. Being heavy they do not land too hard from that height. The chickens feet are designed to automatically tighten around the roost as they settle down. That way they don't fall off when they sleep. Also I never use flat boards for roosts, for the reasons you have stated but also because the chickens foot does not fit a flat roost naturally. I have never had to train my chickens to get on the roost. In the brooder house I have roost poles in place. Almost all the chicks by the time they are getting their wing feathers in are roosting on the poles. I apologize for the long comment and I hope it has been helpful. Thank you for your video you are giving great information.
You're welcome. Thanks for sharing.
Our vet who has raised many chickens suggests a flat roosting bar about 2' high. Make sure they have a plenty of soft bedding material to jump down to which will protect their feet from bumble foot. I use Kleen Koop.
I use hazelnut poles almost perfectly straight and the perfect round shape just right for their comfort.
We use tree limbs as well, it is perfectly natural for them
Great idea. I will steal this
i prop my auto door open during the day so they can all get into the coop before it closes at dusk. I go to the coop at dusk and when I am sure they are all on the roosts, I remove the prop. My chicks were making a great deal of noise today and when I went to check on them, I found a tiny little egg... they had been celebrating the coming of age of one of their sisters. :) Once upon a time I had three chickens and two were laying eggs but the third one was not. One day I saw the yellow chicken "tutoring" the non-laying chicken. She swayed her hips as if she was teaching "belly dance". It seemed to work. The third chicken then began laying. :)
Glad they are all laying now.
I'm laughing at; why auto door when you go out every night to close it...🤣
I heard 2x2s or 2x4s are best
In cold climate they need to roost on flat boards so they can lay on their feet, otherwise their toes, that are wrapped around round pole will freeze
The reason for the flat roost is to keep the toes from freezing. So if it does not get cold enough to freeze in your area, round bamboo is fine. If not, then give them something flat so they can cover their toes as they sleep.
Ahh, they raise chicks under their feathers... what makes you think they can't cover their claws!?
I've read that chickens prefer to sleep flat-footed. Therefore, installing 2x4s or 2x3s is ideal, especially in the winter when the chickens can rest directly on their feet. My chickens have never pooped on their roosts made of 2x4s.
When you live in an area that has very low temps, they end up getting frostbite when they have a round roost bar because their feathers do not cover the bottom of their little feet.
First year with chickens, glad I read your comments! this makes a lot of sense for cold climates
I use 1/6 boards bothey stay warmer and closer together
They also have a spot to rest their breast so all their weight isn't on their feet. Lets not pretend many chicken breeds are not much heavier than their wild ancestors were. I think a flat 2x4 makes the most sense for them.
Your logos is illogical, you chose to be lazy and cheap.
Omlet chicken door have a function that reopens and then closes the door again if it closes on them. Very well built doors.
I needed to give my chickens more room. Converted an old garage and hung a fabulous roosting bar set. They use it only as a stair to the rafters. They prefer the rafters. So much for the bars. 🤣
I recently got 6 more babies and kept them in a dog crate. Just for giggles I put a long branch in the middle. The next morning I found them sleeping on the branch. You don't need to show them. Jehovah gave all his creations instinct. I also have translucent roofing so moon light and more than enough roosting space regardless of the amount of chickens you have is good. I'm a city boy and I really only watched these videos for chicken illnesses. I let my girls do what they wanted to do. I think they are happy and only complain because I don't give them treats all the time
Jehovah?!FFS
In northern climes in the dead of winter, chickens lose toes on small diameter round roosts .... large or flat roosts les them cover their feet with their bodies ...
I couldn’t figure out why my 3 chickens were sleeping right next to the door, sticking their heads out.. lucky I didn’t have an automatic door. Thanks to your video . I figured it out. The chicken go into the coop Just before it starts to get dark but still lighter than the inside of the coop. Since they can’t see in the dark they rather be by the door where they can see. Once I put a light inside during the time that they go in the coop, problem solved. They rather be completely inside and on their roost where they can see 👍🏼
Yes, exactly. That is our same experience.
I use a 2x4 laid flat , works fine. And I rarely have any poop on it, I have a tray under the roost with about inch or so pine shavings and every day or two, I'll take a hand full or two of pine shavings and cover there poop from over night , and clean it all out about every week. Never had any problems
I use news paper, 2 sheets or three. Take the paper with the poop out in the morning into a garbage bin. When that is full, it goes into the compost. My coop always smells fresh and clean! Got 4 chocks. Easy as and fast clean out!
How high from the floor/ground is your roosting bar? Thank you! 🙂
@@marialeach8960 I'd say to the first one it's about 4 foot off the floor, I have 3 & There stair steps the next is about foot higher and 3rd one is another foot higher... Usually they will all roost on the 3rd roost , But if you have one that waits till last minute to roost, She'll be on the first or second roost Gets dark they can't see to get to the higher one..
I love chickens!!!
Cool
Our roosting bars are 2 x 4s laid flat. The bars are 3 feet off the floor. They fly up to them with no coaxing.
The Roosting bars I use are 3x3 on a 45% angle wrapped in 1/4” Jute Hemp Rope. Impervious to water and tacked on with 3/4” stainless steel screws. The bars are removable and get lightly pressure washed once a month. And kept outside to dry in the shade of the day. We find in -40° weather the chickens tend to lay eggs if they aren’t stressed. Here in the Mountains of Central Montana we appreciate consistency feeding a large family eggs with breakfast.
I had pecking order fights that were solved when I made all the roosts the same height.
Very interesting
Roosts all the same height is the way to go at about 3 feet up.
@@John_Malloy we had some that didn't like a coop so we left them out. The next thing we found them roosting in the riding arena on the rafters. We still don't know how the do it. There are 15 of them that does it.
This is true .. I have raised a bunch of chickens through the years .. today i have a 4x8 coop/ portable pen i built that i move via a lawn tractor... with that small space there is not much space .. however, i have 5 birds .. of course the rooster is #1 in the pecking order... i acquired 2 young hens that arw one month younger than the other three.. the original 3 of course have their pecking order worked out and the new , smaller , birds are picked on so they range together away from the three.. I use a 2x4 layed flat for a roosting bar.... at night I let the three get into their positions and then hand set the 2 smaller ones up by hand .... i let tjem out.in the morning .. I never have had a problem with a 2x4 layed flat. The poop doesn't build up like you'd like to think... they are big enough , even the juveniles, that their butt hang over enough to let the droppings hit the bottom of the hen house.. Still waiting for the 2 hens to get accepted into the flock... or get to size .... but its part of the hobby... Chickens are great entertainment... I feel these birds sleep better on a flat bar than a round one... they can set a whole lot better than with a round one.. ... been raising chickens for about 38 years and I'm a firm believer in flat roosing bars because another thing i noticed , is that because they rest better their production is better... All from a simple thing like a flat roosting pole..
Flat def. especially in winter it helps prevent frost bite. They get better sleep when not having to balance, and especially for larger breeds will help prevent foot problems.
Diataemous earth, in a sand box will keep the chickens free of lice , mites. They dust themselves and keeps bugs away
Can you use just de or do you have to cut it with mostly all dirt or sand so that there isn't enough to cause a respiratory problem?? Thank you!!
@@juliabrown5948 food grade in the house does not cause humans respiratory problems. Just sayin 😍
Yes food grade DE ...😁
@@juliabrown5948 I make a combo of 1/4 dirt sifted, 1/4 sand, 1/4 ash from my fire pit sifted, and a 1/4 DE. My girls love it! When they free range in my yard, they usually pick a dusting spot in the yard so i just add a lil DE to their dusting area 😉 I never have any live or might issues. The food grade DE definitely does the trick 😊
Absolutely, I put DE on their sawdust the chickens poop on too as well as in their nesting boxes. I have artificial grass pieces in the nesting boxes and I put DE on the artificial grass as well! Also have a child size swimming pool with dirt, bark dust, and wood ash and DE in it too! Got a large umbrella for a patio table that I cut the handle down to where it’s only a couple feet above the kiddy pool for their dirt bath so the dirt don’t get wet when it rains plus gives the chickens a little more security from flying predators not being able to see the chickens bathing with the umbrella hiding them! We had some issues with owls, hawks, etc. flying down attacking our chickens. Hard to avoid when you allow chickens to free range unfortunately. So try to give them as many hiding spots as I can! Unfortunately putting DE on the chickens don’t keep the predators away! LOL
Chickens are cool! They sooth the soul when thriving in a healthy environment.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this video! I am a brand new chicken owner and couldn't figure out why my chickens weren't going up on their bars. I put a light in there tonight and they hopped right up on their own in minutes! Thank you thank you!
Awesome! Glad we could help.
🚐VROOM 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Same here! I didn't know why they wouldn't roost until I added a light after watching this video and Voila! They're all up on the bar I put in after a night light was added! Thank you for the info!
In nature chickens do not roost on bamboo because bamboo does not have side branches, it grows straight up. Also round wood (like bamboo) can cause "bumble-feet" and/or toes problems because they have to spend a long time holding their toes very curled up.... and in cold climates the feet of the chickens will get frozen because they have to curl the feet around the round wood instead of sitting on top of their feet to cover it with their feathers. They roost better & healthier on 2 x 4 laying flat, that were slightly sanded to remove the sharp corners. Happy farm life & Thanks for the video.
You misunderstood me. I never said they roost on bamboo in the wild. I obviously know how it grows. Check the German study on rounded roosts.
@@CountryLivingExperience No...you didn't tell that chickens roost on bamboo in the wild; And I didn't say that you said that!! You show bamboo in the video as a roosting bar option for chickens. Bamboo is too slipery & too round, which forces them to keep their feet & toes holding hard locked, curled up for the whole night, to not fall.
@@susanaesmerald2291 You implied it. I also said it was slippery so you needed to rough it up with sandpaper. I also said the correct min diameter per the studies regarding round roosting. I perfectly understand chicken feet and bumble foot and my chickens have never had it. It is more commonly attributed to chickens not having enough space to jump down off of a bar and injuring their foot. Or jumping from a bar that is too high where there is no other intermediary rungs to jump down on to.
@@CountryLivingExperience I understand what you said, but roughing it up with sandpaper can make it even more dangerous as under the slipery shinny coat of bamboos there are layers of sharp fiber like threads that can cut the skin. And NO cylindric things are healthy & comfortable for the chickens' feet my dear friend.
Lol. What is your goal here? To be a white night and post a comment that nobody will see in order to save someone from the dire throes or a round roost bar? If you already know everything about chickens, why watch the video?
Flat roost for cold weather, they sit on their feet to keep them warm
I like your reasons for everything. Well thought through from the chicken's point of view rather than the humans want for easy. I particularly liked your ideas about the night light. One reason chickens fail to lay is that they don't bulk up on protein-rich foods in the evening like they should. The reason they don't is because they get stressed that they will not get their preferred roosting spot so they forego the food in order to get the roosting spot. Basically, they go to bed on an empty crop. So after a short while they run out of egg creating reserves and stop laying. Some 'chooks' (Aussie for chicken) like to jump down from their roost no matter what you do to make alighting better. The only way to prevent it is to make the distance in front of the roosts so narrow they can't physically jump or flap their wings. The heavier breeds are so prone to bumble foot and it's this jumping down that is the main culprit. Also if they can't see where they are jumping they are more likely to land badly. Having that light come on in the early hours can prevent bad landings in dark coops. I had one chook land badly and break her egg inside herself. Terrible situation. I knew I had to find a solution.
Glad we could help.
Clissa, thanks for all the info!
Chickens are ground dwelling birds, there feet do not comfortably wrap around something round. They roost very well on 2 × 2 with the corners rounded in the summer and in winter we use 2 x 4 to keep feet warm. We use a poop board under the roosting bars to utilize all of the square footage in the henhouse. Had a friend who had chickens for a short time. She used a broom stick for a roost. She couldn't figure out why they never used it. They roosted in the trees and got ate by raccoons. All of our roosting bars are the same height.
I use old a frame wood ladders for my chickens. Easy to set out when cleaning pen area. Also can be relocated in the pen.
That is a great idea
Im using aluminum so there isn't anything hiding in cracks. Just through this bout
@@JohnSmith-cn9pt that is what I put in. but I think it might be too cold to roost on in the winter
My husband made ladders for our coop very cool and western looking 👌
@@JohnSmith-cn9pt I hope you live where it’s never cold..
My dad used 2x2 boards for roosts and they would fill right up. Probably about 36” above the floor - when the coop was clean. 🙄 The coop had a couple of random 1x4 boards nailed to the walls for shelves, which most didn’t have the shelf. A few hens would take those for a perch every night. We live where it gets very cold, and when the coop is cold all the hens will huddle down on the floor. And we always had a light on a timer in there, so I guess that would also help. Your shed must get dark inside sooner than natural light outdoors. There’s no going to bed early in the summer with chickens, they won’t go in til the sun is setting. ❤ Good video. 👍
Cool. Thank you.
We have several types of roosting bars available. They always choose the 2x4 on it's end, so they like the flat 2" bar over the others.
Cool. Thank you
I have a 2x4 in mine 4 they put their feet on I wonder if my one hen does not like that I have one hen don’t want to go up on the roost she wants to hide in a corner I stoped the corner now she wants to sit under the roost in the corner which is no good at all. I been going out every night putting her on the roost. Anyone have a suggestion?
My chickens after they got old enough to fly they naturally roost on a bar. Young chickens had to keep eye on to go in at night. I raised a duck with them he follows them in at dusk. They getting easier to care for the older they get . I let them out on days it's not raining or real cold. But only if I'm gonna be around the whole day. I give my birds left over meat cooked. It gives them extra protein. They got access to all kinds of grain as well as laying pellets . I don't let them run out of food. I put gravel around the outside of the coop actually to keep me out of the mud rainy days. They pick out the small pebbles to grind thier food. Mine or laying every day. Threw the winter we've had some pretty cold weather and snow this year . I think fresh water every day is the most important part . Thier constantly drinking. It cost plenty to get started for sure. I had to build a barn . I'm still working on it all making a larger chicken run now. But at my age it's about as exciting as it gets . Those first eggs was a blast. Can't wait till spring see I can get them to set. I got one I think is wanting to set now she doesn't like me to get her eggs. Follows me in the barn clucking when I'm getting them.
Be careful with a male duck with chicken hens. He will try to breed them and most likely kill or injure them in the process. Duck Anatomy I'd completely different than chicken anatomy.
I used Crape Myrtle branches for my roosts and have never had a problem. They are about 2-3” in diameter with a slick bark so are so easy on their feet. Since they are a good quality wood they take screws easily. I highly recommend that approach.
Cool
I used them also, no problems here eithe
Thank you for this info. I have Crape Myrtles, I'll have to find some larger limbs.
We used crepe myrtle and bottle brush. The bottle brush has a coarse bark, but it is easy for the almost 8 week old chicks to grasp quickly in flight and hang on to.
Thank you for the video! We’ve been struggling to get ours to sit on the roosting bar at night. After we watched this video I ordered a light like you suggested and ALL 3 chickens slept the entire night on the bar. Literally fixed my issue in one day. Thank you so much!
Awesome! Glad we could help
Hey I need the link to that light please and thank you!
Yep, first thing I looked for was a link to the light you used, lol. Would be great, thx.
Just a note here but in cold climates with freezing night temperatures chickens need to cover their toes with their feathers to prevent frostbitten toes. Too many people have reported chickens with lost toes and even entire feet lost because they gave their chickens round or too narrow perches. Good warning on the automatic door! That’s a pretty scary issue, having several get strangled by it.
Thanks
I live in MN and my chickens feet would freeze if I didn’t have a flat, wide roosting bar, this way they can cover their toes with their down and stay nice and toasty. The poop goes below and not on the roosting bar. I pressure wash it once a year and paint with white wash, 3 coats on a dry day, new bedding (deep litter method) and they are good for another year😁
can see that in really cold weather, guess mine were dumb they didn't seem to care, maybe not as cold?
How wide is the roosting bar that you are using so that the chickens feet are covered? Please.
Other post say 2x4..
I have used 2x4 and it has been clean without any need to remove any 💩. I changed it to a thick tree branch only because the 2x4 was getting slippery for them of long use. As if they had sanded it with a 2000 grit sandpaper. The bark on the branch helps them get more grip on it. I also have a solar rope light for them. It's not too bright and helps them get on roosting bar just fine. It turns on when it gets dark automatically.
Cool. They poop all over my 1x3's. I may change to the branches.
Do tell where you got your rope lights paleeeeze! 😊
@@tonij9089 - any larger hardware stores should carry them in their lighting department. Can’t give you names as our stores here in New Zealand are completely different. However l have been in stores in the states and have seen the rope lights there. We live off the grid and rope lights are great in many ways. We are building our first hen coop on this property. We don’t have predators, accept rats and stoats so it’s very unusual to have coops off the ground, tree branches are the norm for perches. I have never seen a coop with lights, however we have an extended twilight period here in NZ so our hens have an hour or two to roost before it’s lights out. Good luck with your coop.
@@tonij9089 Harbor Freight has solar rope lights. And, of course, Amazon, but I try not to buy from them.
I am also in NZ. Can you tell me where you source your chicken supplies as I find Farmalands is pretty useless. I really need a good supply;y for the pest control, eg mites and lice. Thanks @@libbysevicke-jones3160
I've always put a small roosting bar in the brooder pen when their about 3 -4 weeks old when I see them eye balling the tops of the feeders and waterer wanting to fly up on top. They seem to like it and pick up on what it pretty quick. I've never had a problem with them not wanting to roost when I move them to the big house. Plus it gives them something to occupy themselves with and it's a natural instinct for them.
Yep. I do that.
Thanks, great advice.
Yay! I was having a terrible time getting my new pullets to go in their coop at night. I just put a light in, on a timer and they marched right in! Thanks for the info 😛
That is awesome! Glad we could help.
Where u get the light ? What's it called?
Be aware a hollow roost ... like bamboo ... CAN harbor insects like mites. If you are going to use bamboo I will fill the ends with something like silicone caulk to seal the ends closed. Clear coating the roost with a high quality poly is also a good thing. Keeps roosts cleaner AND seals from insects. Also heavy breeds, like Cochin and Jersey giants and others seem to prefer lower and flatter roosting perches. When I raised Cochins we had a flat step for them to hop up onto the perches and horizontal perching bars for them to sit on.
I don't know if this is worth anything to you, but the tendons within most flight capable birds' legs are designed to close the toes to the "grip" position when the bird relaxes, such as in sleep. So a bird that sleeps up a tree (as most that are capable of flight do), literally has to "stand up" to be able to open their toes, and let go of the branch they are roosting on. This is hypothesized to be most likely a mechanism that evolved to allow birds to sleep "roosting" in a tree without danger of a stiff unexpected breeze blowing them off. So, a round branch or rod or whatever of the appropriate size would probably be far safer and more comfortable for the bird to roost on.
Thank you, it is.
Extremely informative and helpful, Thank you very, very much!
Glad we could help!
1x2 wood works great for us. they love them
cool
Thanks for all the great info. You answered a lot of questions.
Glad we could help
This video was so informative ♡ Thank you so much for sharing
Glad it was helpful!
I just love learning this stuff! I'm new and this right here is golden! Thank you!
You're welcome
Thanks for such helpful & informative information! I learned a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing this great information! Love my egg laying chickens...
You're welcome
I use cedar limbs . Work great and I have an unending supply.
Nice! I wish I has some cedar.
Incredibly useful as a new keeper of chickens - thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow...great info!!! First time raising chickens. After watching your video, I realize my coop def needs a makeover for my chickens to be happy and healthy.
Thanks. Glad we could help.
My daughter also she's 1 2 has 3 started with 6 dog got 3😪😪.we took care of that fast. But was so sad. Thanks for the video
inside the coop, we used leftover 4x4 poles that have worked out for our large breed chickens. also, i mounted metal rafter joists to side rails and have the 4x4 poles resting in the joists. this way, when we go to clean out the coop after winter, we remove the poles and have clear access to clean out the ground beneath. on the outside of the coop, in the pen, we have mounted large branches in the corners that the girls roost on in the early morning and early evening before going inside for the night. just a thought . . .
Cool
I use sassafras poles as roosts. I read somewhere that the oil in sassafras is supposed to deter mites. I also use an angled roost to the ground in the beginning to allow easier access.
Yes, absolutely. Cedar does the same and both are great for keeping away pests.
Thanks for the solid tips. I'm building a coop as we speak, and this helped a lot.
Glad it helped!
Thank you. I was actually instructed to use a flat 2x4, and I did, but I also had some 2x2 lumber that seemed more natural. The chickens all prefer the 2x2 poles. I feel like tree limbs around that size would be healthier/more natural. I’ll see what I can do to try the tree limbs.
You're welcome
I thought of tree limbs but they do break after a while and I think the safer option is either 2x2's or 2x4's on an angle and rounded over so no sharp edges to harm their feet
Very cool! Thank you.
Wish I could have chickens. Between the city restrictions and my dog... it won't be happening. But I still enjoy watching and learning about them!
My dog would eat mine if I didn't have them in an enclosed run. Have you ever thought about moving to the countryside?
Joanie S - we keep our dog limited in his interactions with the chickens for the same reason. The chickens are so much fun! We have really enjoyed having them
My dog's initially went full-on chasing them for dinner, but now they don't give them a second glace. Phew!
Thank you for the advice.I joined the other channels that you suggested. I will be checking out your other videos.
You're welcome
Thanks. I am so glad I found your channel.
Glad to have you here.
Great info, thanks for sharing. Have wonderful about that light. Glad to hear it. Just got my first baby chicks. Looking forward to the journey.
Glad it was helpful
Hey! We just got some Rio Poults ourself and I’m researching everyone’s coops before we start ours. Glad I found your channel! Nice To Meet You!
Nice to have you here! We have a few different coop vids.
Great video! Lot's of useful info. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Really interesting video.Thanks for taking the time to share and educate.
You’re welcome
Thanks for the great info!!
You're welcome.
Great info in your video. Thank you sir.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the information very informative I just cleaned out my chicken coop and planning on installing roosting bars definitely gave me some good ideas cheers 🥂
You're welcome
You can get doors with sensors to prevent harm to your chickens. My perch’s are made from branches off a tree, simple & effective, chook’s took to them first day & night. My chickens have nesting boxes made from 25L buckets, they have pine chips in them, they defecate in them but this does not worry them, i clean them every few weeks.
It has a sensor and was set on the lowest setting. I talked to the manufacturer and he sent me a new one. Branches are good.
We've kept chickens before on our urban homestead, and had low level roosting bars, and after watching this video we're building a new coop, and will get their bars up higher this time. Thanks for the video.
You're welcome
My chicken have 8 inch board , I just scrap poop off in the morning , with small cut wood . They love it to sleep on . And they are fine no cold toes 😅
Mike the chicken vet has an awesome blog! Thanks for the link.
You're welcome. He is certainly knowledgeable and informative.
Sorry to hear about your door. I've been working on a diy automatic door, and the latest greatest idea is a 'draw bridge' design. The door hinges at the bottom and lifts up to close, and it also has an extension for the ramp, so when its closed, there is no way for a predator to climb up the ramp to get to the door. Since the door swings up to close, it will push the chicken into the coop as it closes. I will have a video on this on my channel, and plan to sell just the electronics for like $20 so any DIY can build a door super cheap, as most don't know how to program microcontrollers, but can build a ramp etc. Maybe you are interested?
Hey there. I just looked through you channel for the video your speaking of. I'm very interested in this contraption you have invented..
I'll check it out. Thanks.
love the way you explain everything, you have become my fav chicken channel
Thank you so much!
Lots of great info! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve been flapping my wing to get some air 🥵🤪😁 month 90s and humid 🤦🏻♀️ Superb video 👍🏻🙏🏻 I’ll be ready when time comes 🙏🏻
Lol. Thanks Laura.
my favorite teacher when it comes to chickens and birds I didn't know they have different kinds of chicken types keep up the good jobs I love watching your videos I know chickens are so scare at night time they don't want to feel scare thanks again
Thank you! Will do!
Grateful information.thank you
You’re welcome
I place a small roost in the brooder for little chicks. They start using them on their own out of curiosity as the wing feathers develop. They keep using the roost more as they get older. Giving them a variety to choose from, they'll let you know what they prefer.
I do that as well. They didn't learn.
I used some popular or gum tree saplings that were leggy due to growing in a shady environment. Choose your own length and diameter to suit.. Run the recip-saw up and down the length to smooth out any major bumps and there you have it. Perfect natural roosting bars.
Cool
Great advice man. I didn’t know this stuff
You're welcome.
chicken feet are not as flexible as most birds. Try flat boards (2x4) see if they like it better. Chickens seem to prefer flat wide roost perches.
I did see one breed of chickens, I think a Polish. Had very curly toes that needed to roost on something round. So I guess a factor is to look at their feet so see what would be more natural for them.
Yes, please give them flat boards. They need the support for their feet. My chickens don’t poop on their boards cause their butts hang off the boards.
@@whatintheworld532 I had both and no rooster on the flat roost they all went on the round one. So I removed the flat one and replaced it with a round and now some of them roost on the round.
Great info! I’ll be back for sure! I’m so excited to get my first chickens! Peace
Glad it was helpful.
Awesome video with some great info thanks for sharing I subscribed 🙂
Very cool. Welcome.
Great lecture.
Thanks
My experience is that the birds prefer, that you go outside and cut a fresh branch, and use the natural branch as a roosting bar. That is across the 50 or so chickens (and other birds) I have raised. I have tried store bought lumber, they do not like that. I've also seen a rooster fall off the branch (and get caught in the 6" or so between the bar and a shelf). So, I'm not sure about bamboo. You also need two levels of roosting bars, so, the chickens can have their order. Most of mine use the top bar, but the lowest chicken in the pecking order, stays on a lower bar. I have one 2x3 in the coop, and three cut branches. Only one chicken of 10 chickens will occasionally sleep on the 2x3. My birds are/have been Barred Rocks/Ring Neck Pheasants/Plymouth Rocks/Silkies
I can't believe my complete ignorance of roosting bars. We has chickens. I assumed that they slept in the nesting box. I'm building a new coop hence the reason for watching this video. Thanks so much.
You’re welcome
From another channel they suggest an arched roosting bar, they will roost in their pecking order and it eliminates any fighting or quarrels. Just to share others ideas 😊
Thank you. That is cool. I may give that a shot in the future. My chickens are doing well now.
I'm catching up on videos today. Congrats on getting them to roost! We finally got our older girls to roost after we closed off their favorite sleeping corner (it belongs to the new chicks now lol) Now they sleep up there fine! We've got a nightlight in our coop too. The younger chicks (Golden Comets) grew wayyyy too big for our brooder too quickly so we put them out in the coop a little sooner than "usual". Luckily? it's been like 105F degrees (though lately it's been cooling off, WOO) so we weren't worried about them staying cool. They also seem to generally like sitting on top of things more than the welsummers, since as babies they would sit on top of the feed/water dispensers AND the brooding plate. What silly chicks. We're using flat pieces of wood for our roosting bars, but if we can find some bamboo that would be awesome too! I'm a big proponent of making sure all animals are comfortable so thanks for the tips! I'm also subscribed to Pete B.; I was surprised to hear his name ;) AT ANY RATE, take care and stay safe out there!
Cool. Its amazing what those nightlights will do for them. Mine don't mind the flat pieces. They can just get their toes around the edges (barely). Great that you subscribed to Pete. He is a friend of mine from Church in Houston. Have a blessed day.
@@CountryLivingExperience It's good that your chickens are comfortable :3 You have a great sunday!
I am not convinced, tha a bamboo stick is better. Chooks are not parrots. They are walkers not flyers like parrots. And just think how slippery the bamboo is! Never had poop on my wide roosting bars. You should give them a choice, then see what they prefer. I bet it is not the bamboo. Even trees have wide branches, that makes them feel safe!
We us a tree branch. Our chickens love it. Mostly from pine or fruit trees. Dad found a dead tree and cut like a xmas tree. He took off some branches and stood the trunk and branches in the center of the coop. They loved it. Mind you our coop was 16'×12' 8' and a half height making plenty of room. Nesting boxes were in the corners. 6 boxes in each corner. Along one wall we had extra roost and windows to the south. This limited the winter wind and cold coming through the windows. Any love your video I'm a new member.
That is great info, thanks👍
You’re welcome
I'm just finishing a custom built coop project and we put in rounded wooden poles, like what you hang clothes on in a closet. Bamboo was a consideration; but I've also seen splits in bamboo and was concerned that chicken toes would get caught, causing injury.
Cool. Just make sure those dowel rods are wide enough. I choose some huge bamboo.
You are now my favorite chicken guy! Love you too!
Thanks
Your video is just chuck full of helpful information 😊Thank You for so many useful tips😊
Glad it was helpful!
Chickens don't poop on a flat bar. their bum hangs off the back just like a round one. I have found out that it seems to be each chickens preference, varies.some like flat. Some like round. But there is no difference with pop.
My chickens poop on my flat bars.
@@CountryLivingExperience lhow are they pooing on them? They sit on a flat bar, the same as they sit on a round one. Their bums hang off the back. I have a rail in my coop, which use to be a shed. It is 6 inches wide. Some of the hens choose to roost there. Even on a six inch rail, they still poop on the floor. A line on the ground, right below the flat rail. So unless your chickens are sitting side ways along the rail, they will still poop on the floor.
I had flat bars and had the same problem. Chickens pooped all over them as they walked back and forth. Given both options they picked the roost I made from small trees.
@@jameshilbert4005 I'm going to do that. Great idea.
I like to use flat bars as well such as a 2x4 flat side up. I will also use 4x4's which I can span out a full 8 feet for a secure roost. The chickens will walk around and jump from bar to bar and some poop on the boards does occur. I scrape it off in the morning before it dries and sprinkle on some PDZ stall refresher (powder). I brush it off a few hours later and the bar is clean and fresh. The powder brushed off the bar helps to dry the litter as well.
Hey thanks for light idea. ive been wandering how to correct that. i even thought about a light for them but just prioritized other things first. gonna put lights in the coop and see where it gets me.
You're welcome. It has helped me immensely.
You have great videos!
Thank you!
I never use automatic doors. I use kennel panels for the sides of the run, chicken wire covers entire top of run & around bottom exterior of the run so no aerial predators or those that dig in or climb the sides. My chickens get smaller perches to perch in summer if they want but have the flat perches for winter time so their feet can spread out & they can sit on their feet to keep their feet warm. I keep a thick layer of pine shavings on the coop bottom for cleanliness & hunkering down in winter. The nesting boxes are 2-story nesting boxes with thick layer of shavings. The boxes have remained clean & i've yet to have to wash an egg unless they decide to lay an egg in the straw covering the run bottom after a snow or rain storm. Their coop is 2' off the ground for extra shelter & shade. (I got the plans off the internet for them & 2 duck houses.) I've NEVER had to clean the flat perch. Unless it's really cold, the chickens like to sleep on TOP of the coop on the metal roof for some reason. I've been homesteading - age 66, single female in 2016 - alone - no children but began studying homesteading before moving here & setting up my homestead. I've enjoyed your videos when I've viewed any of them.
I decided to go ahead and use cedar wood for the coops structure and roosting bars. I know everything you here says not to use cedar. In AZ it is hot! SO, i would imagine that I'M risking the toxicity to be higher. HOWEVER!, they are healthier and my battle with mites have diminished immensely. It's been 3 months and my girls are finally fully feathered!!
That is good that it has had no affect on your birds health.
Great tips
Thanks
Yes! Light. I have a blind chicken and she needs light to get in her roost
I am going to try the light trick. I have seen my birds chillin' on the roost bars during the day but at night they all huddle up on the ground in the corner opposite the door. I was thinking maybe because they are a large breed the bamboo, which is a little bigger than yours, was maybe too small or maybe too high... so I decided to put a log about 20 cm off the ground where they like to sleep. Their corner is opposite the door so there could be some ambient light, just enough to see the log.
Cool
Great video
Thank you
I've got 10 week old chicks who roost on the top of their wire enclosure. It doesn't have a top, so they just get up there at night and roost on 19 gauge wire. It is above the plentiful 2x4 roosting bars I gave them. Chickens will roost on whatever high point they can get to. Also, as dowels are now ridiculously expensive you could always use cheap 8' 2x2 furring strips to save money. They only run about $4.
I'm guessing after a year they're all eaten by aerial predators.
All my roosting bars are at the same heights. That way, no chickens pooping on some chicken below it. And there's less fighting because they're all at the same height.
You give good information on chickens most of the homestead channels are full of misinformation when it comes to chickens.
Thank you
I also used solar holiday lights along & above the roost area because it’s bright enough for them to see, but slowly dims and goes out by morning. Less stress. I had a friend say it was like a theatre with lighted walkway 😏
Cool
I place a hard plastic sheet under there roost which catches their poop easily cleaned every two days. Poop goes into a bucket for fertilizer and compost for the garden.
Nice!