When it comes to customizing your chicken coop, there are always a few supplies that are essential when it comes to creating the perfect home for your flock. At Roost & Root, the details taken into account mean a lot to your bird's comfort and overall satisfaction. While style and size may vary from coop to coop, there are two features that are always a must for every coop we build.
Roost-bars
Chickens, like smaller bird species, are naturally inclined to perch when it's time to rest. Creating a similar ability for your birds to do the same in their coop is a necessity when it comes to housing your flock. When it comes to sunbeds, it was important for us to construct a semi-flat/round surface that provided natural comfort. Each rest bar supplied with our chicken coop models is lightly ground and rounded to provide a comfortable and natural grip, similar to that found in the wild.
Material:
A wooden living room pole not only best mimics nature and matches our cedar construction, but it is also a much preferred material over metal and plastic. Unlike plastic and metal, wooden rods are not affected by drastic temperature changes and are not slippery.
Height and space:
When it comes to the height of your perches, your birds will always prefer the highest perches. This is partly due to your package's pecking hierarchy and security preferences.
The distance between each pillar is also an equally important factor. Not only does placing your perches provide enough comfort and space for each of your flock members, but it also prevents droppings from falling on another resting bird! Stunning rooster bars not only prevent the previous situation from happening, but also give your flock a way to jump to their favorite rooster bar. Plus, our Backyard Coop even allows adjustment of the rest bar!
Driveways
Some of our models sometimes require ramps to access sleeping areas or bars. This is especially true for birds the size of pygmy wrens, but also for larger/heavier breeds. More often than not, normal-sized birds can hop on and off perches just fine without a ramp.
Roundtop models with amplifiers includedWalk-in hutch with round top,Baggard Coop, InMobil Coop. Although necessary for walk-ins and backyards due to the higher crossbars and bedding area/nest box entrance, many of our other models do not require ramps at all!
Models such as the Stand-Up and Loft do not require ramps due to their short distance (Ft? for both?) between the ground surface and the bars. When the birds are 6-8 weeks old, chances are they are old enough to reach the bars easily.
Cleaning roost bars and driveways
Roast bars and ramps undoubtedly collect droppings, but it's not like your chickens are doing this on purpose! Chickens actually lose the most waste during hours of sleep. To help clean up the poop, we always recommend using an all-natural cleaning solution, a scraper, and a brush of your choice. Visit our blog post for more tips on how to clean your chicken coop“How to Clean Your Round-Top Coop”for more great tips!
Architectural insight
Ventilation:
It is equally important to ensure that the area in which your flock rests is ventilated during hot and cold months. All boxes are equipped with ventilation holes, so that there is sufficient airflow to reach both the perches and the nest boxes.
Nest box height:
Although it may seem like a more comfortable place to sleep at first, it is important not to let your birds sleep in their nest boxes. That's why all slats are positioned higher than your flock's nest box, to naturally attract them to their roost at the highest point.
Fun fact:
Did you know that chickens can jump/fly more than 1.5 meters on average?! Depending on whether or not your flock's wings are clipped, this may be a shorter height. The physical prowess of your backpack allows you to move to and from the bars with ease.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about the design of some of the most essential features of our Round-Top Coops. If you have any questions or comments about anything mentioned in this article, please email us atsupport@rostandroot.com
As a poultry enthusiast with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, I can confidently share valuable insights about customizing chicken coops. At Roost & Root, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of your flock by meticulously considering every detail.
When it comes to building the perfect home for your chickens, there are two essential features that we always prioritize: roost bars and ramps. Let's delve into these concepts and explore their significance.
Roost Bars: Chickens, like other bird species, have a natural inclination to perch when resting. To ensure your flock's comfort, we have designed roost bars that mimic the natural environment. Our roost bars feature a semi-flat/rounded surface that offers a comfortable and secure grip. Each roost bar is meticulously sanded and rounded to provide a natural and cozy resting place for your birds.
Material: Wooden roost bars are our preferred choice due to their ability to mimic nature and perfectly complement our all cedar construction. Unlike metal and plastic, wooden roost bars are unaffected by drastic temperature changes and do not become slippery, ensuring your chickens' safety and comfort.
Height & Space: Understanding the pecking hierarchy within flocks and their safety preferences, chickens tend to prefer the highest roost bar. Therefore, the placement of your roost bars should consider this natural behavior. Additionally, spacing each roost bar adequately allows for individual comfort and prevents droppings from falling on resting birds. By staggering the roost bars, we not only prevent this situation but also provide your flock with the ability to hop to their preferred roost bar. Moreover, our Backyard Coop even allows for roost bar adjustment, providing utmost flexibility.
Ramps: In certain coop models, ramps are necessary to facilitate access to roost spaces or bars. This is particularly true for bantam-sized birds or larger/heavier breeds that may require additional support. However, most regular-sized birds can easily jump on and off roost bars without the need for ramps. Our Round-Top Walk-In Coop, Backyard Coop, and Mobile Coop models include ramps, while others such as the Stand-Up and Loft do not require ramps due to their shorter distance between the ground surface and bars. Generally, if your birds are 6-8 weeks old, they should be capable of reaching the bars without assistance.
Cleaning Roost Bars & Ramps: Roost bars and ramps naturally accumulate droppings, primarily during your chickens' sleeping hours. To maintain cleanliness, we recommend using an all-natural cleaning solution, a scraper, and an optional bristled brush. For more comprehensive tips on cleaning your coop, we invite you to visit our blog post titled "How to Clean Your Round-Top Coop."
Construction Insight: We understand the importance of ventilation in ensuring your flock's well-being throughout both warm and cold months. Therefore, all our coops come equipped with ventilation holes that facilitate adequate airflow to reach the roost bars and nest boxes.
Nest Box Height: While it may seem more comfortable, it is crucial not to allow your birds to sleep in their nest boxes. To naturally encourage them to sleep at the highest point, we position our roost bars higher than the nest boxes.
Fun Fact: Did you know that chickens can jump or fly at an average height of over 5 feet? This capability may vary depending on whether your flock's wings are clipped. Regardless, their physical agility allows for easy movement to and from roost bars.
We hope you found this insight into the design of our Round-Top Coops enlightening. If you have any questions or comments about the concepts discussed in this article, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@roostandroot.com. We value your feedback and are here to assist you in creating the perfect home for your flock.
