Home

Chickens That Are Known to Be Flighty

Six Breeds That Have a Tendency to be Easily Startled and Prone to Flight

Back to HOME PAGE

What is a Proper Roost for Chickens?

What Should a Roost Be Made Of, How High, and What Size?

This can be a complicated question because the answer somewhat varies. Although most articles you’ll read will say 8 inches per bird, this in my opinion is an argument waiting to happen. When it comes to chickens, space means everything. Bigger is better to keep peace among a flock. If the roost is too small the birds lowest in the pecking order will be bullied.
It’s best to avoid plastic and metal roosts, plastic is slippery, and metal can be either too cold or too hot, depending on the climate where you live.
Wooden 2×2 roosts are the favorite, the flat surface allows chickens to roost comfortably and also allows them to cover their feet in cold weather. Round roosts make keeping their feet warm difficult. You can use 2×4 roosts too, but keep in mind that’s a bigger surface and may be harder to keep clean.
The roost should be long enough to accommodate all the chickens in the flock. Ideally, each chicken should have at least 10 – 12 inches of roosting space.
The roosting bars should be higher than the nest boxes, at least 3 feet high, but some higher would be preferred with a ladder or ramp to access. This also helps prevent injuries from your birds jumping down from a high roost. Harmony among the flock keeps everybody happy, so having more than one roost is recommended.

Need Some Help Choosing a Roost?
Here Are Over 50 Different Types and Creative Ideas To View

Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE

Chickens That Will Give You a Variety of Colorful Eggs

Looking to build a flock that will give you a basket of colorful eggs? Here are 25 breeds to choose from. If you want to veer from the ordinary chicks you find at feed stores, I listed a few breeds that might interest you. But you’ll most likely have to order them from a hatchery. You’ll find those hard-to-find breeds Here.

Rhode Island RedBrown
Leghorn White
OrpingtonBrown
Plymouth Rock Brown
Sussex Brown
AustralorpBrown
Welsummer Dark Brown
MaransDark Brown
Easter EggerBlue/Green
AmeraucanaBlue/Green
Olive EggerOlive Green
Cream Legbar Blue
Icelandic White, Cream, or Light Blue
FaverolleCream, or Dark Cream
HamburgWhite
BuckeyeBrown
BarnevelderDark Brown
DorkingWhite
BrahmaBrown
Cochin Brown
SilkieCream
SeramaCream or Light Brown
PolishWhite or Cream
SultanWhite
LakenvelderWhite

Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE