Chickens prefer to roost and will start looking for a place to roost at a young age. They are more comfortable while sleeping if they can roost. We recommend providing them a place that is about 12 inches off the ground to start off and then gradually get higher as they get older. A normal roost for a chicken around 8 months of age is anywhere from 4-7 feet high and 1-2 inches in diameter. It is normally made out of PVC or wood. Metal is not recommended because it gets too cold in the winter.