Any safe waterproofing paint/sealer for roosting bars in coop?

[Aunt Angus]

I clean it 2x a year in the spring and in the fall. It doesn't get very dirty, but when it rains/snows, it'll get muddy sometimes. And so etimes it does get pooped on. I scrape it off when I see it, of course.

That's great that your roosts stay so clean! I'm a lil jealous. I wonder if there's something I can do to keep mine cleaner. I'm not thrilled with my set up right now, but we are in the process of redoing their area. They have several hundred feet of roaming room as it is now. That will be enlarged dramatically soon. That may help because the poop will be less concentrated, if that makes sense.

My goal is to have a few thousand square feet of roaming room for them where they can be out all the time instead of just when we're home. I bet that will help, though it will still get muddy in winter. We'll see!

 

[3KillerBs]

It doesn't get very dirty, but when it rains/snows, it'll get muddy sometimes.

My secret to not having any mud on anything is that I live in the Sandhills.

I'm at the northwestern edge, just below the fall line, so there are a few thin beds of clay (white porcelain clay, no less!), to complicate the already difficult gardening situation, but at least my chickens' feet stay clean.

 

[Ginmary]

Thanks to all for the great responses!!

 

[Mtn Cur]

Might I suggest whitewashing. It's environmentally safe, antifungal, and some antibacterial properties

• 6-8 cups hydrated lime*
• 2 cups salt
• 1 gallon of water

 

[WonkierZulu]

Plasti dip? Slip tape? Spray or roll on truck bed liner?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Might I suggest whitewashing. It's environmentally safe, antifungal, and some antibacterial properties

• 6-8 cups hydrated lime*
• 2 cups salt
• 1 gallon of water

Lime wash is great! I use it on all the unfinished surfaces in my coop and my goat barn. If I switch to an unpainted roost in the future, I will use this!

 

[Ginmary]

I never heard of a lyme wash. Does it offer moisture resistance? Does it deter mites etc?

 

[Martaals]

I wrapped my perches in Self-amalgamating tape, super easy and a nice surface. Slightly pricey if you need a lot though

 

[Aunt Angus]

I never heard of a lyme wash. Does it offer moisture resistance? Does it deter mites etc?

Not moisture resistance, but deters mites. It smells great, too, and is crazy cheap.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I wrapped my perches in Self-amalgamating tape, super easy and a nice surface. Slightly pricey if you need a lot though

That's an interesting idea. Protects their feet from splinters, too. Bumblefoot is no fun.

I'll be building a new coop soon (once the new fencing is done). This thread has been very informative.