Plastic roosting bars?

[Caroline1601]

Do roosting bars have to be wood? Any advice would be great x

 

[tracecom]

Roost poles need to be strong enough to support the weight of the chickens, large enough for the chickens to rest their feet on (3 - 4 inches), and not too slick. I would worry that plastic might be too slick.

 

[LPeaslee]

They need to be able to grip the roosting bars or they will have a hard time, getting on and staying there. I agree with tracecom, most plastics and also Trex would be too slick.

Most layer hens like RIR, Austrlorps and Wayndotes average 6-7 pounds, roos 8-10 pounds. You should have 10-12 inches of roosting space per bird.
The smallest roosting bar I would use is a 2"x 2" with a maximum length of 4-5 feet.

 

[Caroline1601]

Ok thanks...... I just think poo'y wood is un hygienic! Or maybe my bars are to close?? I think I just have a poorly designed coop :0(

 

[LPeaslee]

One more thing, no matter how many or how long your roosting bar is, every single chicken will try to sit on the highest one.
I have two roosting bars, but all 14 of my chickens squeeze onto one 60" inch long roosting bar, or at least try to. It's quite the show at dusk.

 

[LPeaslee]

Ok thanks...... I just think poo'y wood is un hygienic! Or maybe my bars are to close?? I think I just have a poorly designed coop :0(

Throw a coat of paint on the wood, it will help keep the poo from saturating the wood.

 

[chynasparks]

I started out worrying about pooy wood. We built or coop with new lumber. So I was hoping to keep it clean as long as I could. NOT! My coop has stains and I found out right away it's like super glue, there to stay. Now and then I scrape and sand Amy really unsightly areas but its a chicken coop and its going to get messy. Most of those really fancy photos if decked out coops haven't had chickens in them yet. My coop is not unsightly but it looks lived in. I'm happy with that.

 

[Caroline1601]

Ok thanks....I'll see what I can come up with to convert mine into something a little easier.... Little does my oh know our next house will have a pretty pressure coop for the girls with everything I've learnt to date I'm it