Best Roosting Bar for Chicken Feet

[Missa Chickabee]

I've read a lot of opinions of folks but it there a roosting bar that has really proven to be best for my cluckers' feet? 2X2 versus 2X4? a Branch best?

~obsessed for sure

 

[ivan3]

You're in a pretty `cold' winter zone. 2x4's and a paint scraper should keep the chook's feet warm and clean.

 

[Den in Penn]

I know most on here believe that the chicken should have a flat surface so they cover their feet in cold weather. I know that they need to curl their toes to feel comfortable, so they tend to use the front of the perch. When they are sleeping they squat down and cover their feet quite well, even with a narrower perch. In my opinion full 2x2s will work. Plus there is less to scrape.

 

[ZaksGarden]

I have always used tree limbs, and when I select the limbs I pick one that has different sizes on the same limb. One's that branch out with several smaller limbs are even better because your chicken will find the spot that is most comfortable. To me it's what nature intended.

 

[nono]

We use natural branches pruned from our property. Usually oak. We live in MA, and get pretty cold winters. I chose branches with a 3-6 inch diameter...which will allow them to lay on their feet in the winter. We had a 2x4 in the coop in addition to the natural roosts, and they never used it...given the choice always picked the natural branch.

 

[karlamaria]

2x4 always. my girls love the stability and we carpet it so there feet stay toasty warm in the winter months. they stand on the 4 inch side. hunker down in the winter on them and sleep very well. no perches, there not small birds there big girls and need comfort ( my opinion.

 

[KDK1]

Natural cedar... 4-6 inches

 

[Missa Chickabee]

2x4 always. my girls love the stability and we carpet it so there feet stay toasty warm in the winter months. they stand on the 4 inch side. hunker down in the winter on them and sleep very well. no perches, there not small birds there big girls and need comfort ( my opinion.

Does the carpet not get pretty poop-covered? Maybe it doesn't matter. I am concerned about the winter. We get some nasty cold weather.

 

[Missa Chickabee]

Thanks for taking the time, everyone, and even posting pics. My girls and guy have the 2X4's now. I'm now thinking about hunting for some good branches as well. And then we'll see what the
flock decides upon.

 

[KDK1]

Thanks for taking the time, everyone, and even posting pics. My girls and guy have the 2X4's now. I'm now thinking about hunting for some good branches as well. And then we'll see what the
flock decides upon.

If you want true results, put them at the same level and in the same locale.