How much roosting space per chicken

They also use each other for balance, so you will rarely see them roosting any way but side by side in a row, although in the heat of the summer they will appreciate having room to spread out if they want to. Roosts can be as low as a foot off the ground or as high as a foot or so from the ceiling. However, if you are going to make the roost much higher than two feet, staggering several roosts like stairs at varying heights will make it easier for the chickens to get up and down from the roost without injuring themselves.

Bumblefoot a staph infection of the foot and leg and sprains are often caused by hard landings off a roost, so you want to avoid that. Since chickens do most of their pooping while they sleep, the roosts can get pretty nasty. I use a metal paint scraper to scrape the poop off into a bucket each morning after I let the chickens out.

I also put vinyl shelf liner on the coop walls behind the roosting bars. It's so easy to just wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Articles may contain affiliate links. I am so happy to be getting all of this information now, because I want to get my hens next spring and I want to be sure that every one of their needs is fully met. Just knowing about the roosts and placement of same is good to know.

I really want to be sure that my hens will have a safe, comfortable and happy life. I also appreciated the information about egg-laying.

This was fantastic information for someone who just got chicken, but knows nothing about chickens. Thank you for being so helpful. Thanks again. Look at Premade Plans. Write Down All Your Ideas. Size Your Chicken Coop Properly. Continue to 5 of 10 below. Provide Ample Roosting Space Chickens love to roost or perch on woodpiles, the tops of their waterers or feeders, and even the roof of the coop.

Keep Predators Out. Save Money With Recycled Materials. Create Cozy Nesting Boxes. Continue to 9 of 10 below. Consider Movable Vs. Stationary Coop. Make It Easy to Clean and Maintain.

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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Unfortunately, many of the coops are poorly designed and are far too small for the number of birds that they advertise that they can house. Interior floor space : A minimum of 4 square feet per chicken of interior floor space.

Interior air space : Chickens need to roost at least 30 inches up off of the ground, and have head space to do that comfortably. Roosts : 6 inches per hen. I prefer rounded roosts. Hens have special ligaments in their legs that lock in place when they sleep. This is how they can sleep without falling off the perch. To do this, they need to be on a round roost. Roosts should be at least inches off of the floor to allow the hens to breathe clean and dry air while sleeping.