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? about using natural roosts. IE tree branches.

post #1 of 22
6/14/12 at 7:15am
Thread Starter 

OK, so I've seen that using 2X4's with the wide side up is "ideal" for them to roost flat footed. I like the idea of using tree limbs as roosts though, They seem to enjoy the temporary one I have in the coop and the one in the run. They don't roost at night yet but, they nap and rest on them.

 

My question is how large in diameter "should" the tree limbs be? The ones I have right now range from 3.5-2" across.  Large enough? Should I keep searching for larger?

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post #2 of 22
6/14/12 at 8:30am

I used 2x4's in our coop because it gets very cold in the winter and having the flat roost allows them to sit on their feet...avoiding potential frost bite on little toes.

We do have a branch in the run for them though which is probably 3 inches in diameter. 

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post #3 of 22
6/14/12 at 8:33am

I think that is large enough. It also provides them with a choice of diameter for their own comfort. I use branches of varying diameter too, although their positioning is more based on their neighbours that on comfort!

Friesians, Sebrights, Barnevelders, Araucanas, Cream Legbars, Dutch Bantams, Vorwerks, an Appenzeller Spitzhauben, a Sabelpoot and a few crosses .

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Friesians, Sebrights, Barnevelders, Araucanas, Cream Legbars, Dutch Bantams, Vorwerks, an Appenzeller Spitzhauben, a Sabelpoot and a few crosses .

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post #4 of 22
6/14/12 at 5:47pm

We also use branches for a roost.  Mine are between 2 and 4".  I found my girls would not use the 2x4's in the coop but were using the tree branches in the run.  I also looked closely and realized that on a minimum 2.5" diameter most of my girls had their toes covered when they settled.  I think the idea is do what works and if you and they are happy then it is the right thing!!

Here is to natural being normal!!   My rainbow egg basket is complete!!!

 

4 Easter Eggers, 2 Columbian Rock X, 1 Gold Laced Wyandotte X, 7 Red Layer, 1 Birchen Marans, 2 Barred Rock, 3 Rhodes, 3 Copper Marans, 3 Barnyard Mix and 2 Lavender/3 black Orphinton chicks, 1 dog, 2 cats, twin boys, and the best husband.

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Here is to natural being normal!!   My rainbow egg basket is complete!!!

 

4 Easter Eggers, 2 Columbian Rock X, 1 Gold Laced Wyandotte X, 7 Red Layer, 1 Birchen Marans, 2 Barred Rock, 3 Rhodes, 3 Copper Marans, 3 Barnyard Mix and 2 Lavender/3 black Orphinton chicks, 1 dog, 2 cats, twin boys, and the best husband.

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post #5 of 22
6/14/12 at 7:21pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks all! My main concern was them being able to keep their toes warm enough in winter. I think I'll run with it for now!

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post #6 of 22
6/16/12 at 5:53am

I have branches that vary from 3 inchs up to around 7 inchs, and they love them.IMG_4078.jpgIMG_4592.jpgIMG_4598.jpg
 

2 Ameraucana Rooster, 2 Rhode Island Red Hens
2 Barred Rocks Hens, 2 Partridge Rocks Hens.
2 Black Australorp.2 Black Sex-Links Hens.
8 Easter Egg Hens, 5 Ameraucanas .
1 Blue Cochin,2 SL Wyandottes,2 GL Wyandotte.
1 White Leghorn, 1 Speckled Sussex
2 Guinea Hens Royal Purples.
3 Peacocks India Blue,Black Shoulder,Silver Pied 1 Jade Spalding & BS Peahen
2 Royal Palm Turkeys
2 Rottweilers,1 Male...

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2 Ameraucana Rooster, 2 Rhode Island Red Hens
2 Barred Rocks Hens, 2 Partridge Rocks Hens.
2 Black Australorp.2 Black Sex-Links Hens.
8 Easter Egg Hens, 5 Ameraucanas .
1 Blue Cochin,2 SL Wyandottes,2 GL Wyandotte.
1 White Leghorn, 1 Speckled Sussex
2 Guinea Hens Royal Purples.
3 Peacocks India Blue,Black Shoulder,Silver Pied 1 Jade Spalding & BS Peahen
2 Royal Palm Turkeys
2 Rottweilers,1 Male...

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post #7 of 22
6/16/12 at 5:04pm

I have 2x4's in the coop but I used tree branches in their run. They do love the branches.

Wife to one, Mom to 3 boys, 3 Chihuahua's and 6 chickens.

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Wife to one, Mom to 3 boys, 3 Chihuahua's and 6 chickens.

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post #8 of 22
6/18/12 at 4:58am

We have branches in the coop and run and they love them. About 2.5"-4" round....  Just make sure they are secure and don't spin smile.png

Proud wife and mother to 4 beautiful children. Also a mama to a redbone coonhound mix, 2 spoiled house cats, few easter eggers, couple barnyard beauties, and a variety of  marans. 

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Proud wife and mother to 4 beautiful children. Also a mama to a redbone coonhound mix, 2 spoiled house cats, few easter eggers, couple barnyard beauties, and a variety of  marans. 

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post #9 of 22
6/18/12 at 6:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by heath_elisha View Post

We have branches in the coop and run and they love them. About 2.5"-4" round....  Just make sure they are secure and don't spin smile.png


 Hm, hadn't thought about them spinning. Maybe I'll take the bark off each where they rest on the cross pieces!

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post #10 of 22
6/18/12 at 6:37am
Thread Starter 

Joe G. I like how you have 2 smaller ones together also. I may try that if they don't seem to like the thinner one I have. Or I'll just have hubby cut down another tree (We've got 2 or 3 that need to go anyway lol)

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BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance › ? about using natural roosts. IE tree branches.