PVC Pipe for roosts?

[CHICKEN BUFF]

We've used wooden closet poles and also sanded 1x2s. I'm looking for something that can be cleaned faster and easier, and won't harbor mites or lice.

Has anyone used PVC pipe for roosts? Is there a downside to this? I want my chickens to be comfortable and have healthy feet - is there an optimum diameter of pipe to use?

 

[coopdeville15]

I would think that it would be rather slippery and hard to get a grip. Have you had a problem with mites or lice associated with the roosts? What about painting the roosts poles to seal them but still have enough texture to hang on to?

 

[blackdog043]

I wouldn't go smaller than 3 inch, if it will even work. I don't think they would be able to grip the round PVC very well. If I would try anything, it would be PVC boards, at least they're flat.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/7827-5-8-in-x-3-1-2-in-x-96-in-PVC-White-Flat-Casing-0782708007/204342947

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I would think that it would be rather slippery and hard to get a grip. Have you had a problem with mites or lice associated with the roosts? What about painting the roosts poles to seal them but still have enough texture to hang on to?

I think paint is a great idea if we don't find an alternative material! Thanks!

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I wouldn't go smaller than 3 inch, if it will even work. I don't think they would be able to grip the round PVC very well. If I would try anything, it would be PVC boards, at least they're flat.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/7827-5-8-in-x-3-1-2-in-x-96-in-PVC-White-Flat-Casing-0782708007/204342947

This may sound dumb, but I didn't even KNOW there were PVC boards! Will looking into this! Thank you!

 

[aart]

Have you had a problem with mites or lice associated with the roosts?

Good question!

PVC pipe would be slippery...so might the PVC board and I doubt it's structurally sound enough to span much distance. You could use it over a piece of wood but then you are creating an occluded surface(crack/crevice) where mites could harbor.

There are so many cracks and crevices in a coop that the roost is probably the least area of concern if you are having night feeding mite problems.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I haven't had a parasite problem associated with the roosts --- just trying to find something that's easier to clean than wood.

 

[aart]

Hmmm.....have had bare wood roosts (2x4's) for 4 years and have never found the need to do more than scrape them off once in awhile with the daily sifting of the poop boards.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

Okay - maybe I'm worrying a little too much about cleanliness. I tend to be a bit OCD with my chickens, LOL.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yeah I think you're overthinking this. Chickens don't need a sterile environment to live in. I just think PVC would be hard for them to get a grip on and end up causing more of a headache than anything. Wood that's been sanded down to get rid of sharp or pointy edges is best, whether it's a 2x4 or a branch. I have never scraped off my roost bars and they still look as clean as the day I put them in.