Painting roosts---to paint or not to paint?

[FarmerCluck]

In the next few weeks (hopefully) we will be at a point in our coop construction that we can think about building roosts. I have noticed that most people use 2X4s turned the wide way, which I plan to do. And it looks like most people leave them unfinished. I was wondering if anyone has painted them to make them easier to scrape clean, or would this be dangerous to the chickens? I am going to paint the interior of the coop with white exterior latex paint in a semi-gloss finish. That is what I was thinking of using on the roosts. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[mrloring]

I didn't paint mine but it seems most of the mess hits the floor!

 

[kassy68]

I painted mine and it definitly cleans better then raw wood. I just used some leftover interior paint... on the nesting boxes and roost.. I scrape everyday and wash once a week or so.. I also put a poop tray under mine so it keeps it off the floor or birds roosting below...
I also made mine all the same height.. and 44 inches tall.. was gonna make a ladder and still may for looks.. but they fly up to it no problem/

 

[CityChook]

Their nails will wear away any paint on the roost. I treat mine with linseed oil, which gives it a waterproof seal. Even still, it has bare spots where they like to sleep.

If someone poos on the roost, I sprinkle it with a little DE and scrape it off later that day. No big deal. Poo also disolves pretty fast with just water. Making your roost removable is a wise idea - just lift it out and hose it down in the yard.

 

[Schroeder]

I had some oil left over used to treat homemade children's wood toys (a train). I figured if it was safe enough for kids to chew on, it is safe enough for my chickens. Hopefully, the oil didn't come from China!

 

[DarkWolf]

I painted mine with some oil based porch paint that I used on the floor. It's a pooy mess, but if I decide to clean it, it cleans well.