Did you know that hens higher on the pecking order actually sleep higher on the roost?

That’s right—chickens take their bedtime hierarchy very seriously. The bossy girls claim the top perches, while the lower-ranking hens settle for the bottom bars (or get stuck on the edges). It’s like a feathery version of first-class vs. economy.

When it comes to chickens, sleep isn’t just a cute moment for Instagram.
It’s a vital part of their health and safety—and where (and how) they sleep makes all the difference.

Spoiler alert: your hens don’t want to curl up in a nesting box or sprawl out on the floor like a sleepy golden retriever. They want a roosting bar—and they want the best spot on it.

Let’s talk about the surprisingly important world of chicken bedtime, why roosting matters, and how to set your flock up for stress-free snoozing.

🐓 What Is Roosting, Anyway?

Roosting is just the chicken version of going to bed—except instead of a pillow and a cozy blanket, they prefer to perch up off the ground on a bar or branch-like surface.

In the wild, chickens roost in trees to stay safe from predators. Even though your flock has a secure coop, their instincts say: “Higher is safer.”

🪵 Why Roosting Bars Are a Must-Have

Here’s what happens when your chickens have access to proper roosts:

✅ They feel secure while they sleep
✅ They avoid parasites and bacteria that live in coop bedding
✅ They stay cleaner (aka less poop on feathers = cleaner eggs)
✅ Their legs and feet stay healthier with proper support
✅ And… they argue less at bedtime (well, most of the time)

Without a roost? You’ll likely find:

  • Poop-covered hens who sleep in nesting boxes

  • Crowding and squabbling on random surfaces

  • A less confident, more stressed flock

Bottom line: a good roosting setup = healthier, happier hens.

📏 Roost Bar Basics: What You Need to Know

Want to nail your roost setup? Keep these key points in mind:

✅ Height Matters

Place your roosts at least 1.5 to 3 feet off the ground, and higher than your nesting boxes—otherwise your hens might start sleeping where they should be laying (hello, poop-covered eggs).

Pro tip: If you have multiple roost levels, stagger them like a ladder so chickens can hop up and down without crash-landing on their flockmates.

✅ Width Counts

Chickens don’t grip like songbirds—they sit flat on their feet while they sleep.
So skip the skinny dowels and go for a 2x2-2x3 flat (yes, flat side up!). It supports their whole foot, and in cold climates, it helps prevent frostbite by keeping their toes tucked.

✅ Space It Out

Allow 8–12 inches of roost space per chicken.
More if they’re big breeds or you have bossy hens that need “personal space” (we all know the type).

Too little space = shoving, squawking, and that one hen who sleeps on the floor in protest.

🚫 Where Chickens Shouldn’t Sleep

We’ve all had that hen—who insists on sleeping in the nesting box or the corner of the coop floor like she’s making a point. But here’s why it’s a problem:

  • Nesting boxes are for eggs, not naps—sleeping there = poop-covered eggs

  • The floor = colder, damper, and more prone to mites

  • And neither encourages healthy flock hierarchy or habits

If a hen insists on bad habits, gently retrain her by moving her to the roost after dusk until she gets the hint.

🧼 Keep It Clean (They’ll Thank You)

Roosting bars get messy. Chickens poop at night (a lot), and it usually lands right below the roosts. Make life easier by:

  • Installing a droppings board or tray underneath

  • Scraping it clean regularly

  • Using bedding or sand underneath to absorb moisture and smell

Your flock stays cleaner, and so do you.

🛠️ Built-In Roosts = Built-In Comfort

At OverEZ, our coops come with roosting bars already designed into the layout—spaced right, placed high, and made with chicken comfort in mind.
No need to DIY or guess how high, how long, or what size. We did that part for you.

🎉 Final Cluck: Respect the Roost

Roosting isn’t just a nightly routine—it’s a crucial part of a chicken’s wellbeing.
When you give your flock a proper place to perch, you’re giving them security, comfort, and a clean, safe space to rest and recharge.

So if you’re building a coop, upgrading your setup, or just wondering why your chickens keep cramming into the same corner—look to the roost. It’s where flock harmony begins.

Looking for a coop with roosts built right in?
OverEZ Chicken Coops are designed for smarter sleep, easier cleaning, and healthier hens—because where they sleep matters.