PVC roost

[ilovedragons2]

I'm trying to save some $$ on a roost for my chickens and by using what I have and am trying 1 1/4 schedule 40 PVC to see if my chicks will use it. It's pretty sturdy and I wonder if I need to sand the surface to make it less slick. From what I understand about chicken anatomy, their feet are designed for roosting on branches and sort of "lock" onto the branch when they fall asleep. The coop I have my adult chickens is only 4 feet wide, so the short pieces of PVC should be able to hold 4 or 5 adult chickens easily. If all else fails, would 1" x 1" pieces of wood work?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They can sleep in trees but their feet don't lock on branches as say a sparrow does.
There are other issues besides the slickness (which is a problem). Being in Ohio, it gets cold there. The chickens need to be able to cover their toes at night so a 1 1/4 PVC is not wide enough for them to do so. Further, PVC is conductive and will freeze their feet even if they could cover them with feathers. You'll be having frostbitten toes with that plan.
Nothing plastic, metal or other conductive material should be used for roosting.
An 8' 2X4 isn't much different in price than a 10' stick of PVC.
In response to your last question. 1" is no where near wide enough for them to roost comfortably and cover their toes.
In both cases, if you put several large fowl on 1" lumber or 1 1/4" PVC, both will sag the dramatically.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

I have round wooden dowels and 2x4's in my pen. The only time my girls use the round dowel is when weather is warm enough they don't have to cover their tootsies to stay warm. 2x4 in coop wide side up! It's the best way they can protect themselves from the cold

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you have any large trees on your property you can also use branches, and those are free. Aim for something around 2" diameter or more. I would not use PVC or a 1x1, that's just too narrow.

 

[ilovedragons2]

Thank you all for your answers. I'll have to use wood instead. I do have plenty of trees that I can trim to use for roosts.

 

[Flockandfowl46]

PVC can encourage frostbite hun. If you really want to save some money break out the chainsaw

 

[Alaskan]

since you only need 4 foot lengths, you could stop at any construction site and ask for wood scrap. free is good. Even a 1x4 can work well as a perch... just get 2 pieces and make a T shape so that there is no sag.