Is a 2"x6" board to wide for roost?

[nuts4hotwheels]

I know that a lot of people recommend using a 2x4 for roosts, but I already have a 2x6. Is there a problem with it being bigger?

I have a barred rock, production red, ameracauna and 2 silkies

Thanks.

 

[elmo]

Poop is the problem. A wide board is going to catch a lot more poop than a narrower one. Usually, you want the poop to drop down below to a tray or droppings board where it's away from the chickens and you can easily remove it. If the droppings catch on the roost, the chickens will be roosting and walking in it more.

 

[Stevo]

Cut them into 3 2in. lengths. Sand corners so they wont be sharp on their feet. Here is a photo of mine.

I put hinges on the uprights on the floor and it just folds out to clean behind it.

 

[Ed62]

I recently used a 2 X 6 board, and ripped 1" off the width. This gave me roosts that are 4 1/2" wide. I figured that would give them plenty of width for winter, so they can cover their feet with feathers to avoid the cold. Not sure exactly how it will work out, but I'm giving it a try. If there's a problem, I might have to go back to 2 X 4 roosts. So far, no problem.

Ed

 

[NHchicks]

Speaking of roost width, I use tree limbs. My roosts range from probably 3-5" wide. Which is easier on their feet: a rounded tree limb or a plank? That's something I've always wanted to know.

 

[Tdub4chiks]

I'm using a 1" x 3". Is that sufficient here in upstate NY? I don't think a 2" x 2" would be.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Either will work fine as long as it's wide enough so they don't have to grasp it with their toes (since their feet are really not designed for this). A round dowel type roost would not be the right thing for chickens. If you live someplace that gets below freezing in winter, make sure that when your chickens are on their roost they can cover their toes with their breast feathers to prevent frostbite. If toes are sticking out, your roost is probably not wide enough.

I've used both and my chickens seem perfectly happy with both. It's easier to get a piece of lumber smooth and sanded than a tree branch, which makes it easier to avoid sharp spots that could injure feet, and makes it easier to clean. On the other hand, you can just throw away tree branches periodically and replace them with fresh ones when they get nasty, since they're free. Tree branches can harbor mites from wild birds, so before you use one it's a good idea to douse it thoroughly with something like Adams Flea and Tick spray then put it out in the sun to dry completely.

 

[Katy]

I used to use 2X4's but changed them out to 2X6's. I have most all larger breeds, orps, wyandottes, marans. I think it's easier for them to nestle down over their feet in the cold weather. The 2X6's don't catch anymore poop than the 2X4s do.

 

[NHchicks]

elmo: Good to know that wider is better. I had thought maybe they liked their toes to curl around a little to grasp the roost better, but I guess not. I hadn't thought about mites being in the limbs, which would have been a good thing to know, seeing as how they have been in there over a year now... oh well.

 

[gambler]

I have a 2x4 roost that was the first roost in my coop. All birds roosted on it. I then put a 2x6 roost in also and at first only 2 or 3 birds used the 2x6 roost. After about 2 weeks all birds now roost on the 2x6 roost. They all seem to prefer the wider roost.