Helpful hints for building coops

[CapricornFarm]

Make sure when you're building your roosting bars not to make them more than 20 inches off the ground especially if you get a heavier breed of bird because jumping from any higher of a height can result in bumblefoot which is a dreadful thing to have to address. Our first roosting bars were about 3 1/2 feet from the ground and we had about 9 of our flock results in bumble foot. Not fun at all.

Most of my roosts are over 3 feet high. Bumblefoot is from getting an injury to the foot. Could be as simple as walking on wire. If there are lower roosts, they can work their way up. Chickens prefer to roost fairly high.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Hmmmm...those two things don't quite go together?

You know me, no keeping a good woman down.

 

[aart]

You know me, no keeping a good woman down.

...and re-injuring yourself.
Take Care!

 

[CapricornFarm]

...and re-injuring yourself.
Take Care!

Thanks. I really am trying to get other people to do the heavy lifting when they are available.

 

[ChickenDreamer7790]

We have several different roosts, and all of the chickens that got bumble foot were on the same roost that was the high one. They always roost in the same place. And all of them were the heavier ones. After we treated the bumblefoot and lowered the roosts we have not had a problem with bumble foot again, and that is the only change we had made. Therefore, I think it is safe to say that is what happened and can happen. We did a lot of research as to the causes and that was one of the main causes was a too high roost. The impact alone on a hard surface (ours was packed dirt but since then we have layed down straw) repeatedly is likely to results in bumble foot. One of the worst being our 15lb rooster

 

[aart]

Therefore, I think it is safe to say that is what happened and can happen.

Yes, feet can be punctured from jumping off a high roost onto something sharp creating a cut which can then become infected with bacteria causing 'bumblefoot'.
But saying all roosts must be less than 20" from floor is not logical.
There are many other ways a foot can be cut.
My birds jump from 3' everyday and it has never caused infected cuts.

 

[Molpet]

We have several different roosts, and all of the chickens that got bumble foot were on the same roost that was the high one. They always roost in the same place. And all of them were the heavier ones. After we treated the bumblefoot and lowered the roosts we have not had a problem with bumble foot again, and that is the only change we had made. Therefore, I think it is safe to say that is what happened and can happen. We did a lot of research as to the causes and that was one of the main causes was a too high roost. The impact alone on a hard surface (ours was packed dirt but since then we have layed down straw) repeatedly is likely to results in bumble foot. One of the worst being our 15lb rooster

My roosts are chest high on me. Most of my birds are part cx... rather large birds...at 16 wks the cockerels dress 5-7lbs so far I haven't had bumblefoot

 

[CapricornFarm]

I had a helper today!

She also held boards so i could put the frame of the latest rabbit cage together.

 

[NewBoots]

Sweet! If she's a good helper, you should make her an offer. Good help is hard to find.

 

[harveyhorses]

What a cutie! Looks young enough to be trainable