Is it OK to paint roosts?

[tomato lady]

I put used lumber in my roosting area and I would like to paint the walls. While I am painting, should I paint the roosts too? It would look good, but I don't want to do anything that might harm my chickens.

For my walls I got some free 2 x 2s -- lots of them. Not big enough for suppporting anything much, but ideal to use as wall covering in my roost area. My roost network is supported inside the walls so putting up sheeting would mean lots of cutting. I have 5 roosts to accomidate up to 40 or 45 chickens. (only have 31 at this time, but....)

I just lined the walls in that area (4' x 4') up about 5 feet with the 2 x 2s. It looks good except used wood needs a coat of paint. I saved lots on the wood, but spent more on nails! And my arm took a beating sinking all those nails. Last night I couldn't sleep because my arm hurt. It's the pits getting old.

Question: If youth is replaced by wisdom, why wasn't I wise enough to find someone else to pound in all those nails?

 

[fordmommy]

I painted mine. I figured it would be a barrier to the poop. So the wood doesn't rot.

P.s. I got my paint at my local hardware store for 75% off. I bought a miss-tinted gallon of paint. It's a light yellow instead of the white that I wanted. But I don't care. 75% off!

 

[tomato lady]

Quote:
What a great idea! I just called some local paint stores and found one that charges $4 a gallon and another store that gives away their mis-tints FREE! I will be on the road tomorrow trying to find some bargain paint.

 

[mommyof5]

I also painted the roost, laying boxes, floor, ceiling, walls , the cat anything that held still to long. I figured it would help protect the wood and also help lighten it up a bit in winter.

 

[fordmommy]

Quote:
What a great idea! I just called some local paint stores and found one that charges $4 a gallon and another store that gives away their mis-tints FREE! I will be on the road tomorrow trying to find some bargain paint.

Quote:
I wanted it to be bright in the morning. That's why I painted everything that yellow color. Come winter when the sun is less, it will still be bright in the coop.

This is my brain-sceme for more eggs.

 

[kathyinmo]

I was just about to post this same question. My roosts are 2x4s, with the wide side up. I clean them daily, but feel it would be much easier, if they were painted. Would that make them too slick? I was also wondering if it would be better to have 2x6s, as I have read many posts where chickens really like roosting on "shelves," and the like. I am thinking, "wider is better!?"