Perches

[doorknobs3]

Hi all I'm still fairly new at chickens...still learning chicken talk and flutter. Built a new coop and put in round perches then read after purchase read they should be sanded 2x4's but did not say why...Should we change them? We live in Everett Washington north of Seattle

 

[GinaNew York]

What Ive read and put in are 2 x 4s because they allow the chickens to cover their toes when they roost and its cold out. I defer to the long time keepers here my gut tells me to have a few types and at different heights to exercise their feet and provide options We have big breeds and have 24 and 36 inch high bars others have bars at same heights

 

[blackdog043]

2x4 laying wide side. Are these for them to roost on at night? Like Gina said, when cold weather comes they can keep their feet warm. If you give us a general idea of where you live, it will help answer questions.

 

[ChickNanny13]

It's also easier on their feet (my thought).

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ask a dozen people and you'll get a dozen answers. I use large tree branches that have rough bits sanded down - they're free and I believe natural is best for their feet. As far as keeping their feet warm, when I watching them roost, their feathers cover their feet quite well so I don't think flat roosts are necessary to keep their toes warm. But that's just my opinion!

 

[venymae]

I also have used tree branches in my coop (about 5-6 inch diameter? Not sure). I did make sure they could cover their feet at night. I have also used sanded 2x4s which work great for standard breeds. You sand them to get rid of the sharp edge. I actually used a router on mine. lol.