Branch roost questions

[K0k0shka]

I want to use thick tree branches for roosts. I saw a bunch of pictures from BYC members who've done that and they look so nice. I was wondering though, do I need to treat them with anything beforehand to protect them? Do they get pooped on a lot, or does poop not accumulate because they're round? Can they harbor mites (they'll have the bark still on)? What do I need to keep in mind?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't think they need any special treatment. Keep in mind, left to their own devices, the birds would be roosting on the same branches in a growing tree so I don't see the difference. They can harbor things in the bark or even the wood in the branch.
My cautionary advice is to make sure the branch has a large enough diameter so the bird can hunker down and cover its feet in cold weather to prevent frostbite.

 

[K0k0shka]

I don't think they need any special treatment. Keep in mind, left to their own devices, the birds would be roosting on the same branches in a growing tree so I don't see the difference. They can harbor things in the bark or even the wood in the branch.
My cautionary advice is to make sure the branch has a large enough diameter so the bird can hunker down and cover its feet in cold weather to prevent frostbite.

Thanks! Yes, the branches will definitely have a large diameter. I was mostly wondering about preserving the branches from the onslaught of poop and scratching. On a real tree, the branch is still alive, and they probably don't use the same branch night after night their whole lives... so real branches probably last longer... these will be in heavy use and will be dead, so just wanted to avoid untimely decay.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Well 2X4 lumber lasts for many years as a roost. I don't know why a branch of significant diameter wouldn't have a long 'shelf life'.
Also, a bird roosting normally doesn't defecate on the roost but off to one side or the other.
I regularly replaced branches for roosts in Macaw facilities that needed constant replacement but that was because parrots chew on them. Not to mention that it was several acres of cages of roosts for about 500 Macaws. And the branches weren't a very large diameter.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd aim for at least 2" diameter or more, if possible. No need to treat branches, but I do trim off/sand down any rough protrusions. I've had some of the same branches in my run going on 3 years now so I wouldn't worry about them suddenly decaying. Yes there's probably a possibility of mites/lice hiding in the crevices or under the bark, but if you don't already have a parasite problem I doubt one will magically spring up just from using branches from your yard as roosts.

I've never had poop on them so never had a need to "clean" them.

 

[annaBsChick]

Yes, they can harbor mites. I would clean the branches super well with power wash hose really well, and let the branches sit in the sun to dry it out for at least a day after.