Chicken Roosts: Everything You Never Knew You Needed to Know

[@malcolmyoungacdc]

Meat birds don't roost? How do they sleep?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Instead of roosting, they will huddle together on the ground. This is due to their rapid weight gain and large breasts that create a center of gravity too far forward to roost on a bar or branch.

[@historias-aburridas]

Thank U. Clear, precise and straight to the point.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@heidigilman1941]

Thank you, was just going to figure out the install for the roost in our new coop!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad we could help!

[@idaho2085]

Fantastic info. Thanks guys for all the help.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@DreadPirateRonMexico]

Another solid video. Great work.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@michellebarbour5777]

Such a great film Love that you mention evidence and science. A chicken keeper from the UK. :)

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikereid2865]

Nicely explained, thanks

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@masonbeers6442]

Laddering your roots promotes a pecking order so it’s best to keep all roots the same height

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great point!

[@KwajGecko]

Thank you guys! Great information for a new chicken guy here. Will be going with the 2x4. The roost that came with the coop is way too narrow. Thanks again. 👍

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

You’re very welcome! Glad we could be helpful, and thanks for watching!

[@KwajGecko]

@@HobbyFarmGuys you’re very welcome. Will definitely be watching more.

[@nickabel8279]

My experience. My Australorps I got 5weeks b4 they laid. They kept sleeping in the corner orgy. Picking them up n putting them on the roost only worked for that night. Finally I tried a red light 30 mins before until 30 mins after dark and that did the trick. Read they can't see shit at night and need light to get up. Plus red light doesn't affect their health like white light does to increase egg laying

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@nickabel8279]

@@HobbyFarmGuys fully borrowed from another homesteader. Just passing the wealth. Like....taking vegetables i plan to give to flock and sticking in the freezer the night before

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I also feed frozen treats in the summer. Another great tip!

[@davidthompson9359]

Thank you for the video. Our chicks are a month old so we're planning their coop while they are in our sun room in CA. We're not sure if we want to build a coop or find a used wooden shed to modify, but we're planning. Down the road we want to move to TX, but not sure how long that will take.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with the flock!

[@zacharystorrud4340]

So my first 8 chickens 2 Roos the rest hens all the roost are the same level. They all figure it out. Just hatched 8 more so getting a bigger coop (Shed). Question is should I have roosts at different levels for the pecking order or all the same level so the pecking order is less ?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

With 16 birds you are fine having several levels. It’s a good reminder to everyone where they stand (or roost) in the pecking order. Just stagger them so the birds below don’t get pooped on 😂

[@theconsciouscorgi2103]

So I bought some 8 week old pullets and had the same issue as the chicken ball in the run. It took about 7 days of placing them one by one on the roosting bars before they got the hang of it.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I don't think Steve had the patience to try that 😂

[@OraOfLight]

Great video! I saw you said you are in a colder climate. I'm in MN and we get subzero temperatures regularly during the winter. Working on building our first coop for our first chickens coming this month! Anyway some people say that it's better to have a horizontal 2x4 because of frostbite on toes. In the video you recommended vertical 2x4s is that what you use? And have you had problems with frostbite? Also, 2x4s actually measure 1.5x3.5 inches. Was that taken into consideration with your recommendation? I am over researching and there is a lot out there, like you said. I just want the best setup I can prepare for my chickens when they arrive. I also have some bamboo poles I had thought about using but I don't think they're big enough. Thanks!

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Yes, the actual measurement of a 2x4 is taken into consideration. Mine are actually about 30 degrees from vertical, and I’ve had no issues with frostbite. In all honesty, I did not plan the roosts in my coop before we did research on this subject, I had someone build it and that’s how he made them. The main thing when it comes to keeping chickens in cold weather is to make sure the coop still has adequate ventilation without allowing drafts to blow across their roosting area.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Here is a video that may help with keeping chickens in cold climates: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCcqKCZYpitq9E

[@OraOfLight]

@@HobbyFarmGuys Thank you! I have to say I was very conflicted but this will definitely make it easier for us to finish setting up our coop! I definitely appreciate the research you do for your videos!

[@danielleyoder4751]

My pullets are currently doing the chicken ball in a corner. How they have access to roosting bars as you describe. How do I encourage them to roost?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Pullets will often struggle to integrate on the roosting bar when joining an existing flock. Give them time and they will get there. You can try physically moving them onto the roost bar at night when the flock is sleeping, but I wouldn’t worry.

[@dstock5890]

Thinking about one single roost bar on back wall and shorter ones on side for 16 chickens. Trying to keep them on one level in hopes that there won’t be so much pecking and bullying. Thoughts?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

It can reduce some of the squabbling over roosting position, but they will still have to establish a pecking order. If you’ve got the space I think it is a good idea!

[@peturadunga]

Im trying to get my 4-5 week old of the ground. I manually place them on perch, but they hate it and refuse ... Are they to young?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

This isn’t uncommon. I’ve had young chickens stay off the perch up to 3-4 months old. Eventually they will figure it out.

[@CFarnwide]

Ours were kept inside during their first couple months and would ball up in a corner to sleep. Once the coop was built they insisted on balling up in a nest box. Ive blocked access to the nest boxes as they aren’t laying yet. All but one have been using the roost bar now. The one eventually does get up there after running around the coop nervously for half an hour. Occasionally she will just ball up in a corner by herself. 🤷‍♂️

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

I've had some do this. I think they just need to figure out their place in the flock & it sometimes takes a while.

[@nailog2062]

OK I have a omelet and as you know, I’m at his plastic boosting bars they seem to like it no problem, but is it OK?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

As long as they don’t seem bothered by it, they should be fine.

[@TheRawdaddy]

How does one deal with the pecking order. I have 11 birds, 3 roosting bars. The 4 oldest birds take the two longest bars, and refuse to allow the other birds up on to it. Then the next 4 roost on one bar, while the 3 youngest 12-14 weeks old sleep in a nesting box to afraid to stand up to the 4 bullies. I’m going to stagger the bars to see if that helps. Your thoughts?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

It's not too uncommon for birds that young to sleep away from the roosting older birds. It sometimes takes time for them to feel comfortable and figure out everything the older birds expect of them. You can try going in at night and rearranging the birds on the roost, putting the youngest on the lower bar. But I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most likely they will eventually work things out.

[@masonbeers6442]

Keep all the roots the same height

[@cheryldahl9192]

I moved my flock into a bigger better coop that's not quite finished. They hate it so far, because they have no roost or nesting areas! They should have some by tonight :) LOL ONE day won't kill them, although they are complaining all day haha

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Ha Ha. A new coop is always a fun time.

[@MrV1776]

you say 2-2 1/2 inches for the width but in the video u use a 2x4..with the effect distance of 4 inches (which you said was too wide). can u explain please?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

2-2 1/2 inches is ideal, but sometimes we just use what we have available. Two things to consider: 1) If you use a 2x4, turn it at an angle to give them a roost that isn’t too wide or narrow front to back 2) When editing a video for KZbin, don’t use stock photos that might contradict what you are saying

[@lindalepage2302]

We have one hen, she's a pet.... we have a 2x2 wooden roost with the edges sanded to eliminate the sharp edge. She will not roost on that thing. She started to before winter, but now she won't use it. Could it be she likes the warmth of the nest box for now?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

It could be. One thing I've learned...my hens don't know the "rules" they are supposed to follow. So, they do whatever they want.

[@kathynix6552]

Close off the nest box at night

[@jonjaudzems4428]

What is the recommended HORIZONTAL spacing between perches, to prevent being fouled by chickens above. (I calculate about 12-14".) Can they comfortably jump that far?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

12" should be plenty and yes, they can jump that far. I think mine are about 10" and I've had no issues.

[@katiebea9258]

@@HobbyFarmGuys I just did my roost at 9" from wall with a 16" wide poop tray 6" below the 2x4 and about an inch above nesting box top. Nesting box is 8" off floor with 3" high lip for holding bedding, and top of box at 20" . roost is at 27" (know that's high per advice, so) Will give the ladies a ramp to climb/ jump down from roost, blocked at bottom and leaned into a grooved block at top Already have a half cut 2x6 on edge in the Tupperware and the ladies are having fun jumping up on it, but with only 72 hours in the tub who knows the thoughts going through their tater tot brains. Finishing insulation of coop, but REALLY hesitant to "heat" it so they acclimate naturally as winter progresses??? OPINIONs welcome on "to heat or NOT to heat" once they are 9 months old????

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

We have long and very cold winters here (as you know) and we do not recommend heating. Although a heated base or water fount to keep the water from freezing is a good idea, and it will add a small amount of heat to the coop (though not a significant amount). Just make sure ventilation and insulation are good, without allowing drafts. Sounds like you have a good set-up...and I like the poop tray idea!

[@katiebea9258]

@@HobbyFarmGuys DO you "coop them up" the entire winter with food and water in the coop ? I have 11.x square feet per bird in the run, discounting the coop. We get down to 10° to 20° in Cascade foothills, but not NECESSARILY sustained (not like Flathead, our previous 35 years, where could drop -10 to -40 for weeks ... Talk about going through the cords of wood, right?) Also mostly rain from late Sept until snow in January, record cold is -4° here. So HOPEFULLY can feed and water with heated pail and nipples with horse trough submerged coil??? ONLY in the run??? THOUGHTS, please ...

[@katiebea9258]

@@HobbyFarmGuys ALSO, the overhead is "rise to run" slope from lean-to low side 3' to high side 4' above the 27" roost ... So air currents OUGHT to be well above them ...

[@Greg5D]

A+

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!

[@MrV1776]

Im two weeks in and Ive gotten my chickens to roost at night but only by manually placing them on their roosts. Im sure they will figure that out in time but my other issue is that when its time to go into the coop itself I have to chase them down, pick them up, then place them in the coop. I thought it would he instinct to just go in there at night but they seem like little kids wanting to stay outside and play long after the sun goes down and me calling them home (into their coop) is failing. Any advice?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

These behaviors are fairly common in a young flock. Sounds like you are doing everything to encourage them. They will get the hang of it on their own soon.

[@kathynix6552]

I heard that they will be attracted to the roost if there is a little light inside. Also in the early days you can lure them in with treats - should only need them for first few days.

[@Poorboychickencoop]

2 months ago a neighbor gave me 2 roosters that i could butcher, I butcher 1 and it wasn't that much meat so i let the other 1 live. Just talked to the neighbor a few days ago and she wanted to know how much meat i got, told her that i kept 1 and had been letting him free range she ask if i was gonna keep him or butcher with the bugs his been eating im gonna keep him so she is gonna give me 2 hens when they get old enough... I'm cleaning out a old pole shed to convert to a coop, i set up a roost bar but can't catch the rooster he prefers to sleep on the stack of firewood. Maybe when i get the hens and put them in the complete coop he (crockpot) that's what i named the rooster will move in the coop, i have his food and water in there now he goes there for that.. He won't let me pick him up i can walk past him but if i reach down he runs.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Love the name “Crackpot”!

[@mohdnasir5140]

re-ban = roost

[@mohdnasir5140]

Page 276 The hen calls her chicks with three different signals. When she clucks, the chicks follow her. When she finds food, she makes a series of quick noises that sound like kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk, and her chicks come running. When she settles down for the night on her roost, she calls the chicks close to her with a long, low, purring sound.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

👍

[@williamhernandez6899]

Let's go Buffalo Bills🐃

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Go Bills!!!

[@williamhernandez6899]

@@HobbyFarmGuys where are you guys located?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

We are in East Idaho, far from Buffalo. But Brian is originally from Rochester, NY, which explains his lifelong obsession with the Bills 🦬.

[@katiebea9258]

@@HobbyFarmGuys lived in Salmon for about a year, up Carman Creek drainage, fourty years ago or so ... Am in WA, westside Cascades, up in the foothills now.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Love visiting Salmon! Beautiful area!

[@Beaguins]

Why were your chickens not roosting?

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

We may never know, but eventually they got the hang of it and started roosting.

[@katiebea9258]

I love the American spirit, but look up chicken farms in India (YT "900 eggs a day, pond) and I think Vietnam. (beautiful girl collects eggs) ... No roosts, no American-ized "nesting boxes", etc, etc, etc ... Serious cultural differences and eggs "out of your mind" in volumes "done completely wrong".; just sayin'

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Many farmers in India, The Philippines, Vietnam and other countries have amazing results using practices different from the western world. Though even here in North America, most commercial egg producers don’t use roosts or nesting boxes like the ones most backyard chicken flocks have. Thanks for the awesome comment!

[@katiebea9258]

@@HobbyFarmGuys exactly; the "hengear" folk are pretty different here in the states and I intend to incorporate their "red entry and red entry bar" idea into my laying box. AND I yanked the divider out (one day after putting the divider into the newly-built box btw) of the 22x13x12. Now just need a solid decision on nesting material. My 6 tiny aquila are still in a wally-world tub under a heat lamp here in the dining room. Still binging ideas from everyone while finalizing coop, roost, poop board and hardware clothing the run. Been some great "miraculous provisions" of most of the construction materials. Great experience so far. And tyvm for offering your input for all us newb chickerder.

[@matthewpetersen4417]

Yea when I visit my chicken guy all his meat birds sit on the floor in a group.

[@HobbyFarmGuys]

Broiler chickens usually don’t roost on bars