Round Roost vs Flat Roost Bars
Perch shape, foot health and frostbitten toes. Which profile suits your climate, and the roost mistakes that cause bumblefoot.
The short version
In a cold climate use a flat wide roost, typically a two by four laid with the wide face up, so a hen settles with her body covering her feet and her toes stay out of the air. In a mild climate a rounded perch of roughly two inches is fine and lets birds grip naturally. Height and landing surface matter more than either: heavy breeds jumping down onto hard ground develop foot injuries, so keep roosts at a reasonable height with deep bedding underneath. Roosts should always sit higher than the nest boxes, or the hens will sleep in the boxes.
At a glance
| Natural Pine Wood Chicken Roosting Perch | Wide Wooden Chicken Roosting Bars | |
|---|---|---|
| Toes covered when roosting | Partly | Yes |
| Frostbite risk in hard frost | Higher | Lower |
| Natural gripping | Better | Adequate |
| Suits heavy breeds | Adequate | Better |
| Cleaning | Easy | Easy, sand it smooth |
| Mite harbourage | Depends on fixings | Depends on fixings |
Choose the Natural Pine Wood Chicken Roosting Perch if…
A rounded perch of about two inches diameter suits mild climates and lighter breeds, and birds grip it comfortably. Sand it smooth, since splinters and rough patches damage feet, and fix it so it cannot roll. Space multiple roosts far enough apart that birds are not perching over each other, allow around eight to ten inches of roost per standard bird, and keep them well away from the walls in cold weather so combs do not touch frosted surfaces.
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Choose the Wide Wooden Chicken Roosting Bars if…
A wide flat roost is the better choice anywhere winters get properly cold. Use planed lumber with the corners rounded off, mounted wide face up. Check the underside and the ends regularly, because the joins and cracks are exactly where red mite hides. Some keepers prefer removable roosts precisely so they can be taken out and treated. Put deep bedding or a droppings board underneath and keep the height moderate for heavy breeds.
Check Wide Wooden Chicken Roosting Bars on Amazon
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Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is bumblefoot and how do I prevent it?
Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection of the footpad, usually entering through a small wound, and it shows as swelling and a dark scab on the underside of the foot. Prevention is smooth splinter free roosts, sensible roost height so heavy birds are not landing hard, deep bedding to land on, and dry clean litter. Established cases often need veterinary treatment, and cutting them open at home is not something to attempt on advice from a forum.
How high should roosts be?
High enough that birds feel secure, low enough that heavy breeds are not jumping down a long way onto hard ground. Two to three feet suits most standard breeds, with a lower stepping perch if you go higher. Bantams manage more, heavy breeds like Orpingtons and Jersey Giants want less. Whatever the height, put deep bedding underneath and keep roosts above nest box level.
My hens are sleeping in the nest boxes. How do I stop it?
Make sure the roosts are higher than the boxes, because hens go for the highest spot. Block the boxes at dusk for a few nights and physically move birds onto the roost. Check whether something is putting them off the roost, such as mites, a draught, or a bully. Nest box sleeping means dirty eggs and dirty nests, so it is worth fixing rather than living with.
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