Chicken Roosting Bars DIY - Strong Roosts & Protection From The Cold!

We give our opinions on roosting bars we've been using that are incredibly strong but also help protect our flock from very cold temps. Our girls have used this type of roosts to -20f.
We apologize for the dark video. We wanted to show the roosts being used and the girls use them most in the evening!
#diychickencoop #chickencoop #homesteading
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[@davidsuchite9757]

Also I’m building a mini version of this for my 12 hems. I was told the sand the edges or more comfort but I’m thinking 4 inches and the chickens will be flat footed in the rails. Awesome set up you have there btw

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If I felt a rough spot, I did a little sanding. Otherwise, the hens will be in good shape as they sit flatfooted. If you've got any other questions, let us know. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment!

[@jillachen7217]

Thank you from Baudette Minnesota ❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for joining us! We hope the warm air has made it all the way north to you. It was 55 here yesterday! An unreal winter! Cheers!!

[@davidsuchite9757]

This was the video I was looking for

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Glad you found it! Cheers David!

[@EliasMommy]

Love it! This style helps reduce bumble foot too! Especially with bigger, heavier hens. A nice flat surface to rest on is great for their feet. 😊

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You're right about the great spot for their feet. We've never had a case of bumble foot in all our years with chickens. We love the roosts for the hens to use in the cold. Helps keep them warmer! Have a great week!

[@primitivedaisy]

I am in NW Wisconsin and we are almost done building our first coop. We were trying to decide on the roost, but I like your suggestions so will go with your design. Thank you ! 😊🐓

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It really works well. Make sure it is about a 45-degree angle. If it is too steep, they can poop on each other. A nice 45-degree is perfect. Let me know if you have questions.

[@jimbo8635]

Great vid, thank you from Sweden /Jimbo

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch! Cheers Jimbo!

[@dougroberts3643]

Yeah this makes sense for me. We live close to Lake Erie and get blistering winds in the winter that come off the lake. I've watched several of your videos and you've earned a subscriber

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for subscribing and joining us on our journey. I bet the cold is similar to what we have here. We need to protect our hens and they will keep themselves warm. If we can help, let us know. Our email is in the "About" section on our page.

[@matthewlaitres4760]

Also live on lake erie in PA. Very helpfull video thank you

[@OrmsbyFarms]

Great video my friend!!!!! I’ll be hitting you up the whole time during our chicken coop rebuild!!! This build was BRILLIANT!!!!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If I saw it correct, I think you might want to change your roosting bars to this style. We're here to help when you need it Casey! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jayrussell3796]

Thank you. I was debating on 2x2 or 2x4 design because of the mess but now I've watched your video it is an easier decision to go with the 2x4 flat considering the comfort and preventing them from getting too cold. Thanks again! Cheers

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The 2x4 is really the way to go. The comfort for the hens in incredible and the chance for getting cold is considerably less. If we can help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out. Cheers Jay!

[@jayrussell3796]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I sure won't hesitate! We just got our first coop up for our first ever flock here in Ohio ! We're super excited and have our hens that we incubated ourselves just about ready to go into their new enclosure. They just recently feathered out and we can't wait to get them in it. I've actually just started the roosts today and should have the roof on this week. Thanks for the tip. 😊 Hope to hear from you again.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@jayrussell3796 Just keep us posted on your progress and send us your pics of the progress. Sounds like you're on the way to a successful coop! Let us know how you're doing! Cheers!

[@SuperCaliforniaKate]

Thanks for such a practical suggestion. We're in Northern MI, and we'll definitely build ours horizontal.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Your hens will love the roost if they are horizontal. Keep us posted how they like it. Cheers!

[@alanschwier4045]

Yes… That’s how we have it in Central Florida… the girls are “happy” and they bundle up when it gets a little airish out there…

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Our girls snuggle up when it's cold. In the summer, there is plenty of room for the girls to spread out and keep cool. Thanks for watching Alan! Cheers!

[@Highlandmist-sm5lj]

My husband just built this unit. Quite heave for me to lift, so my boys are going to create a counter balance mechanism to make it easier for me to lift.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Sounds like a great idea. It is definitely built robust to last a long time! I lift it and put a 2x4 under it to support the weight while I work. I hope you get it all figured out. You will love this roost! Cheers!

[@chelseahappyhome]

We have 2x4's just like yours as well. Works great. Your sapphire gem is hilarious 😂

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We gave our Gem a treat after filming! She jumped on the roost right on cue!!

[@chelseahappyhome]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm She did amazing. Thank you for the smile. :)

[@tonij9089]

I used your idea.. works great!! Mine wasn't perfect but it works and the flock loves them!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

You can always improve on it. Our gals love the roosts and use them year 'round. Glad they worked for your flock too! Cheers Toni!

[@lastharvest4044]

Great design. I had no trouble with a similar setup as low as -15. Getting close to capacity ~1/linear foot was part of my strategy; the girls put their wings over each other like a chicken phalanx.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This design really does work. Glad you've had good luck with a similar design. It is fun to watch the girls huddle in the winter! Cheers!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

I love it.. Great design for your ladies! 🤗

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Our girls really like them. The support is great for them and the design keeps all of them warm. Cheers Barb!

[@rhondakeller2592]

I love the way your roost. My question is about the braces that are holding the 2x4’s in place. How did you design them. I could t get a close enough look at them. Thank you

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I hope you found our other video that explains the size of the supports. It really works great! I'll check the other video to see if you found it. Cheers Rhonda!

[@tsparlingne1469]

I really like that, what did you do for the hinges?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Just used door hinges that fit the end of a 2x4. I didn't get too complicated! Hope that helps. Let me know how else I can help. Cheers!

[@distraction_factory]

Great tutorial! What is the angle of the roost, the piece attached to the hinges? Thanks for the video!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I tried to get close to 45 degrees although i just eyed it up. I used a beam on the wall and attached to that. the hinges work great to pick up the entire unit and clean underneath. Just make sure you space the bars far enough where one chicken won't be dropping on another girl underneath her. Let me know how you do, or if you have additional questions.

[@distraction_factory]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Awesome thank you so much, that helps alot!

[@gardentours]

They seem to enjoy it 🐔🐓🐓🐓🤗

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They love the roosting areas! Thanks for watching!

[@gardentours]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm You're welcome. Thank you for subscribing to my channel. You have a new subscriber as well.

[@StrangeSkies1111]

I just built something very similar, but it doesn't have as much of an angle meaning its steeper & the 2x4s are a little further apart in Hight, also i don't have the support you have every 3 ft, I ran an 8ft run 2x4s on either end & it seems to be strong but when they are all in there it might have give, so i think ill add some more support.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Support is key. The girls don't weigh much as individuals, but the whole group weighs a lot! You want to make sure the roosting bars are not over each other too much. If it is too steep, they will be pooing on the hens below. I hope this helps!

[@StrangeSkies1111]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Thank you, I had a trial run last night & the space was good as far as pooping dropping on the lower hens, thankfully i was thinking of that as i built them & did allow the space but support i do need to address for sure as i have 50 chickens & the weight wood eventually sag the 2x4 towards the middle

[@mistie6647]

I can’t find the construction of the roosts video. I need to give the builder of my coop measurements. We have similar breeds and the height and width between each roost seems perfect. I read some of the other comments but didn’t get a clear answer. Are you saying each roost is 20” further back and 20” taller than the one in front? Is that how I read it? Thanks so much!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The bars are spaces 20" up the 2x4 from the last one. The vertical bars are at a 45 degree angle so the 20" spacing is perfect. The video on cutting the pieces is called "Chicken Roosting Bars DIY - Full Construction Details. Let me know if you cannot find it. Let me know if the 20" spacing makes sense.

[@lisasportsman3707]

Could you use 1x6’s? Thank you!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

My gut reaction is that it will be too thin to handle the weight of the hens. When you get a bunch of them on one roost, that's a lot of weight and it'll bend the boards. The 2x4's are optimum in my mind. My two cents.

[@lisasportsman3707]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I wondered the same thing. Just have to go buy some boards then lol. Thanks for the reply!

[@sm5405]

How much room do you allow from the top board to the outside wall ? I'm a first time chicken owner and I only allowed about 4 inches of space behind the 2x4 is that enough for them to roost when they get full size or should I unscrew them and move them out some ??

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I think we have about 6-7" between the bar and the wall. Four inches may be a bit tight for the top rung. Go out just a bit and the girls will be happy. If it's too tight, their bum may be tight against the wall. In the winter that might be cold! I hope this helps.

[@sm5405]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I appreciate the advice, thanks .

[@BurimPrroi]

What is the inclination of the wood? How many degree is that?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is about a perfect 45 degree incline.

[@cericson3426]

That is the way you do it chickens need a wide flat roost not a bar that they grip with their feet but something they can sit on flat and when they sleep they cover their feet with their feathers/ bodies so in cold climates their feet don't get frost bit.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Curtis, we're on exactly the same wavelength! It's amazing how many people turn the 2x4 the wrong way or have a small branch for them. It just doesn't work. Thanks for watching and have a great week!

[@cericson3426]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm you have a great week as well, we're expecting some bumpy weather here Friday hopefully it misses us.

[@masonlang2380]

Nice build. How far apart are the roosts?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I believe it is 20 inches. I have a video that is a detailed construction of the roosting bars. It goes into great detail about the roosting bars. I hope this helps. If you have a hard time finding the video, let me know.

[@stavroskess4879]

Nice my friend. But are you from Sweden?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

My Great Grandfather was from Skana. I have been to Sweden once and plan to go back again. Beautiful!

[@decorativebirdsbaku]

Mashallah

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you!

[@bartsexton1652]

I’m in North Carolina and I do mine flat

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is definitely the way to do it. I don't understand why people would put the 2x4 on end. Thanks for stopping by to watch!

[@carrieannmcleod5219]

Are the walls metal or painted wood? Won't the walls get really cold if they're made of metal?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The walls are sheet metal. They get cold at night in the middle of winter. The entire barn stays warm enough in the winter and the girls feathers keep them plenty warm all year. They do great in the Minnesota winter. and the roosts help keep their feet warm. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BetsyCalise]

Great advice! Just found your channel - I'm an old Swede myself! Haha I've heard you could have the roost bars at the same height to avoid the 'Pecking order'. What are your thoughts about that? Thanks!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

There will always be a pecking order. If they are the same level, they will peck to get to the middle (in cold weather) or nearer to the cool breeze (in warm weather). No matter what you do, they'll always peck for dominance. Cheers!

[@sheilaheld8180]

are they 8ft

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

All the lengths are eight feet. I wanted to make it easy so I didn't have to do a bunch of cutting. Let me know if you have other questions. Thanks!

[@jerryholston6536]

Okay looks like you have four two-by-fours right but how what is the distance between the top one from the back wall

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Jerry - Both of the roosts are the same construction. From the back of the top 2x4 to the wall is exactly seven inches. Let me know if you need other information. The roosts work incredible and are packed every night. Take care!

[@silverdesert2970]

Looks nice. Do you have any plans on how to build this?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I do not but I made it simple. The vertical pieces are eight foot 2x4's as are the horizontal roosts. That is six of the 8 footers. The vertical pieces use little hinges to attach to the side wall of the barn. I cut the small pieces to attach the roosts to the vertical 2x4's. You don't need to make then so ornate. You could cut simple 4" x 4" pieces and use this to attach the roosts. Make sure none of the screws stick above the roost bars and make sure you don't have any jagged holes. You want to keep the hens from cutting themselves. Let me know if this answers your question.

[@silverdesert2970]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Thank you for your kind reply. It is still not clear how you attached the roosts to the vertical 2x4s. Also what is the angulation of the vertical 2x4s?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The vertical bars are at a 45 degree angle. I needed enough of an angle to keep the hens above from pooping on the ones below. The small pieces of wood you can see are simple to make. Start at the end of a 2x4 and make a mark at 6 1/2". Mark the other side of the 2x4 at 3 1/2". Make a line from one mark to the other and then cut along the line. You can then use this guide to cut more pieces. I screw the small pieces into the vertical supports. The horizontal supports then lay on the small pieces and are flat. I screw down through the roost bars into the small pieces. This makes a very sturdy set of supports.

[@silverdesert2970]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. It is all clear now.

[@michaeljohnson3131]

I have gone down a rabbit hole regarding flat or round. My initial thought was round reason being I can't recall seeing flat tree branches. In the wild chicken used tree branches. Any thoughts on this Theory.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I have noticed that my hens, when they jump in the trees, go to the larger branches. They don't sit on 2" round branches. The 2x4 flat is the best way to go. They want to have three points of contact with their roost (two feet and breastbone). Small branches or round poles don't work. The 2x4's also give my hens a way to put their feathers around their feet when it is cold. I think your hens will appreciate the flat 2x4's. Cheers Michael!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Jurassic park 2021 :-)))))

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Ha! We just watched that last night!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Chickens are sweet little Raptors ;-))) And Dinosaurs were quite intelligent- chickens are still today...

[@bethalvarez6956]

Chickens are not parrots they need to have their feet flat out

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I agree! Chickens won't have good rest if they are constantly holding on to a small branch or not having their feet flat. Thanks for stopping by to watch!

[@Raspukek-fu8un]

blyat chickens are ahuennie creatures.

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Such a pretty and functional roost!!! Is this your own original design? 🐓🐓🐓🫶🏻

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I knew what I wanted and just started building. I needed something functional (that got out of the way for cleaning) and held a lot of girls. This fits the bill! Thanks for watching Sandra!

[@sandraengstrand2784]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I think it's a winning design!! You've thought of everything to keep the girls happy and safe 💕

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@sandraengstrand2784 Thanks Sandra! I was really trying to keep them warm....and support all that weight! Thanks again for watching and commenting! Cheers!