Cedar as chicken roost

[FettuccineAlfredo]

We are new to raising chickens and are building our own coop. There is a dead cedar tree behind our house. Some of the branches are the right size for roosts. I have read not to use cedar for the acual coop or bedding but what about the roosts? And should I even use a tree stick because I have also read people using boards for gripping reasons.

 

[centrarchid]

I have had chickens roost in live cedar trees with no obvious ill effects.

 

[FettuccineAlfredo]

Alright great! thanks

 

[TwoCrows]

I have always used cedar fence posts as roosts. My entire coop is made if cedar pickets, I've never had trouble with it. Its the eastern cedar wood shavings in close quarters like brooders that need to be avoided.

 

[TwoCrows]

Chickens dont grip like other birds roosting. So I wouldn't use really thin branches. 2 inch diameter or more should be fine.

 

[FettuccineAlfredo]

Chickens dont grip like other birds roosting. So I wouldn't use really thin branches. 2 inch diameter or more should be fine.

Awesome thats what Ive got.

 

[Raven1981]

FettucineAlfredo, how did you end up making out with this project?

I am going to use cedar that was growing nearby for the roosts, as well.

 

[Matejka]

I use cedar as roosts. I have an old 2" fence post for 1 and a small tree for 1. Also have another roost, 2" , no idea kind of tree. I found it in a backroad ditch.

 

[Matejka]

Top 2 are cedar.