pvc Roost

[paul65]

Has anyone used pvc to make a roost, would pvc be ok or is it to slick my girls like to be on the top of roost but the one i build out of wood is not wide enough for all of them so i was thinking of making one out of pvc
that way i could make the lower part 3 feet wide and the top part i could make 6 feet wide so all of them can roost on the top. Now i know someone else had to think of this let me know what u all think.

thanks

 

[Matt A NC]

Too slick. The risk is them falling while trying to fly up or even at night while sleeping.

Matt

 

[firebugfab]

go to Lowes or home depot or the like and get a 1 1/2" closet rod (wood dowel). They are relatively cheap and work great. My chickens roost on one every night.

 

[nccountrygirl]

They will do better with a 2x4 turned flat side up. Chickens don't grip the rod like a parrot they sit flat on their feet.

 

[Alaska animal lover]

Quote:
a 2x4 is cheaper too.

 

[Davaroo]

I gotta disagree a bit. The chickens foot is a gripping appendage and readily conforms to rounded surfaces. They foot locks in a gripped position when the bird lowers itself over it.

Now, they can sit on flat surfaces, like flatwise 2 x 4's and it really matters little which you use. I prefer the rounded type, say a closet rod, stout branch or a 2 x 4 on edge.

Possibly the most important thing to remember is you dont need fancy, costly fixtures for chickens. They only need to be functional and sturdy. Recycled and natural materials do nicely.

 

[paul65]

Ok thanks everyone guess ill keep using my wood roost.

 

[WrenAli]

Dowel rods were to expensive for me.. I used a replacement broom handle instead. Saved about $10!

On the other hand you could probably glue a little carpet or something to the PVC and that would work to.

 

[Alaska animal lover]

I thought that a flat roost helps them to cover their toes better while roosting and prevents frostbite. I guess they do grip but they are heavy and if they have to hold on they could get sore feet. Just guessing.

I think the carpet would get gross and they would try to eat it.

 

[Davaroo]

Keep in mind that chickens in the wild, either jungle fowl or feral flocks, do not roost on carefully dimensioned cuts of lumber. Instead they roost in the lower branches of trees on nicely rounded branches.