New Chicken Coop

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TwoCrows said:
Hello there and welcome to BYC! :frow

So glad you decided to join us! Greens and chopped veggies make wonderful treats however keep the goodies down to about 10% of the daily diet or about once or twice a day. 2x4s with the 4 side up make perfect roosts, especially in cold weather so the birds can keep their toes under breast feathers avoiding frost bite.

Great to have you aboard BYC!
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@TwoCrows ... I have a question about roosting that has been floating in my head for a couple weeks now. You suggest and I have seen a couple other post pics using the 2*4's with wide part horizontal. I recall being advised against it and to get the largest Dowling I could find that they can grip.... I lucked out and found a bunch of 1" diameter at the reStore for Habitat for Humanity here, in town and have been using it. Thinking about the smooth curve and comfort for their feet..... So was I just receiving a partial or full on myth given your very specific 2*4 suggestion?

@TXChickie918 welcome fellow newbie and fellow Texan as well (hi five).
 
electrycmonk said:
@TwoCrows ... I have a question about roosting that has been floating in my head for a couple weeks now. You suggest and I have seen a couple other post pics using the 2*4's with wide part horizontal. I recall being advised against it and to get the largest Dowling I could find that they can grip.... I lucked out and found a bunch of 1" diameter at the reStore for Habitat for Humanity here, in town and have been using it. Thinking about the smooth curve and comfort for their feet..... So was I just receiving a partial or full on myth given your very specific 2*4 suggestion?

@TXChickie918 welcome fellow newbie and fellow Texan as well (hi five).
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Chickens don't grip like perching birds, the constant curling of the toes can eventually cause tendon trouble when roosting on dowels. 2x4s are great to use in colder climates so the bird can tuck toes in under breast feathers, toes and feet are highly susceptible to freezing.
 
(Snaps fingers) Huh. Looks like I'll be taking to roosting rails from the [roost rails] and re-use them in the run, toys in the spring and go for the 2x4 method inside the coop with the trays now.....(sigh) something new to plan for after the new year now...... [Edit inside this to fix auto-correct]
 
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TwoCrows said:
Chickens don't grip like perching birds, the constant curling of the toes can eventually cause tendon trouble when roosting on dowels. 2x4s are great to use in colder climates so the bird can tuck toes in under breast feathers, toes and feet are highly susceptible to freezing.
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I use 2x4's in my coops with the wide side up. The birds have no trouble.
 

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