Mineral Oil on Roosting Bar?

[Mother of Chaos]

Back when I was young (a long time ago) some people would use burned motor oil on the roosts as a defense against roost mites. It would soak in so no traction issues. These days I would not use motor oil because of the potential toxicity issues though the toxic part probably soon evaporated. I could see mineral oil as a safer substitute for that but I don't see how it would help clean-up at all. If it were moist it would attract dirt and grime. And may attract dirt to their feet if the oil is so thick it sticks to them.

As long as the roosts are dry they should last practically forever. I see no reason to preserve them at all unless they are in the weather. I can't imagine you of all people having the roosts in the weather.

If your roosts are so wide and flat that you see poop building up on them you might have a different situation but I don't see that so I don't worry about it. Mine have never had roost mites. If they did I'd treat them and the coop for roost mites.

I have no idea why that lady made that suggestion. I see a lot of suggestions on here, especially from people where the chickens are pets, that won't do any harm as long as you don't overdo it but are really more to make the person feel good about doing things for their chickens than things that actually help the chickens. Nothing wrong with that, it makes the person feel better. I put this in that category. As long as you lightly apply the mineral oil and rub it in well so there is not surface residue it will cause no harm. It will not do the chickens any good but it might you.

I like that category. “Really more to make the person feel good about doing things for their chickens than things that actually help the chickens.” Very diplomatic yet very clear.