A roosting box provides chickens with a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night. Setting up proper roosting areas is an important part of chicken keeping as it allows the birds to follow their natural roosting instinct.
Bedding Material
The floor of the roosting box needs to be covered with an absorbent litter material. Good options include:
- Wood shavings
- Straw
- Rice hulls
- Sand
- Shredded paper
Wood shavings are a popular choice as they are highly absorbent, affordable and easy to source. The bedding material should be 3-5 inches deep to absorb moisture and keep the roost clean.
Roosting Bars
Chickens have a natural instinct to perch on branches and bars as they sleep. Roosting bars should be installed 8-12 inches apart and set 2-4 feet above the floor. Good roosting bar materials include:
- 2×4 lumber
- Branches
- PVC pipe
- Metal piping
The roosting bars should be 1-2 inches in diameter to allow the chickens to easily grip the perch. They should be smoothed and sanded to prevent injuries. Installing roosting bars at varying heights accommodates chickens of different sizes.
Nesting Boxes
Many people include nesting boxes inside the roosting coop to encourage hens to lay eggs in one designated area. This prevents eggs from being laid on the floor where they can crack or become dirty. Typical recommendations per nesting box are:
- 12″ x 12″ floor space
- Slightly sloped floor
- Deep bedding material
- Enclosed sides
- 1 box per 2-4 hens
The nesting boxes should be installed at floor level to prevent injury. Provide one box for every 2-4 hens in the flock.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps remove moisture, heat and ammonia gases for a healthy roosting environment. Recommendations for ventilation include:
- Windows, vents or gaps for airflow
- Space between wall panels
- Holes drilled along the upper wall area
- Fans or ventilation ducts (for larger coops)
The coop should not be completely draft-free but have air exchange to prevent a buildup of moisture and gases.
Roosting Space
Each chicken should have 8-10 inches of roosting space. Overcrowding the roosting bars will cause fighting and prevent the birds from resting comfortably. Other spacing recommendations are:
- 10 sq ft per bird of floor space
- 6-8 inch perches
- 12×12 inch nest boxes
Consider the size of your flock when building the coop to ensure they have sufficient area to move around and roost.
Food and Water
Chickens will need access to food and fresh water in the run area attached to the coop. Provide the following:
- Feeders to hold 1.5-2 lbs of feed per bird
- 1-2 waterers giving 1.5-2 gallons per 100 birds
- Locate near perches for night access
- Hang feeders/waterers at bird head level
The feed and water stations should be designed to minimize mess and prevent the birds from contaminating the supply with feces.
Perches
Chickens prefer perching off the ground at night. Good perch designs include:
- Located 2-4 feet above floor
- 1-2 inch diameter
- Smooth, not sharp edges
- Set 8-10 inches apart
- Varied heights to fit all birds
Perches allow hens and roosters to follow their natural roosting instinct and provide a sense of security at night.
Lighting
Chickens require 8-10 hours of complete darkness to sleep well at night. Recommendations for lighting are:
- Use a 40W bulb
- Set an automatic timer
- Window shades to make it dark
- Turn light off consistently
Avoid bright light sources to prevent stress and encourage proper rest. Place the light near the feed and water stations for easy night access.
Safety from Predators
The coop must be built to protect against predators like foxes, raccoons, hawks and snakes. Key elements for safety include:
- Hard wooden structure
- Wire mesh on windows/vents
- Dig barriers into ground
- Lock on door
A secure structure will help prevent loss of chickens and damage to the coop itself. An attached, fenced run area gives added protection.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance keeps the coop healthy:
- Daily – Collect eggs, refill feed and water
- Weekly – Replace litter, clean dust baths
- Monthly – Remove droppings, wash surfaces
- Yearly – Disinfect coop, repair structure
Develop a cleaning routine based on the number of chickens and size of the coop. Keeping the roosting space clean promotes chicken health and prevents disease.
Tips for Setting Up a Roosting Box
Follow these useful tips when building and managing your chicken roosting box:
- Locate the coop in a well-draining area.
- Orient roost and boxes east to west to minimize drafts.
- Use only non-toxic wood preservatives and paint.
- Construct access doors wide enough for cleaning.
- Install hardware cloth underneath and bury fencing.
- Keep wild birds out of feed to prevent disease spread.
- Create dust baths for chickens to clean their feathers.
Conclusion
Setting up a proper roosting box with perches, nests, feed and water provides chickens with a safe and healthy habitat. Ensure the coop is the right size for your flock and includes proper ventilation, lighting and protection from predators. Develop a schedule for frequent cleaning and maintenance. With some simple planning, your chickens will happily roost each night in their cozy home.
