Which way should a 2x4 or 2x3 be placed for a roosting bar?

[DanielleOrbach]

We are expanding our roost area and were wondering which way the 2x4 should go. My boyfriend had read it should go on its side, but does that mean the shorter or longer side? We have it so the shorter side is up and down and the longer side is left and right, if that makes sense, for a roosting bar in our run. Just curious if this is the traditional way. I saw someone use sticks, but we don't have a lot of those around that we could use.

 

[sylviethecochin]

The wider end should be up and down, and the narrower ends should be left and right. Chickens prefer to sit down, and if you have cold weather, this arrangement allows them to keep most of their foot area tucked into feathers.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there.

My birds prefer the wide side up... meaning 4 inches to stand, balance, and rest on. Working with what ya got is always good. I also don't have any good branches which would be nice since they are free. But not one of my birds (large fowl or bantam) has complained about 3 or 4 inch wide roosts (I also used some 2x3 in my tractor coops for light weight). One of my large fowl hens did let me know she didn't like thinner by choosing not to roost anymore and staying in a lay box despite not being broody or ill when moved to a smaller coop. I'm, replacing those roost before moving her back again.

For what it's worth... birds don't grip around the roost all night. Once they've found their balance they simply rest on their keel bone and keep their feet flat and relaxed used more like kick stands.


Really it CAN work either way... but my preference is definitely wide part for standing on.

 

[janiedoe]

I have 2x4 roosts with both the narrow and the wide sides up. My chickens don't seem to have a preference. I am in an area with mild winters and hot summers.

 

[AmyJane725]

Mine is wide side up (for them to sit on)