Questions as I get closer to moving chickens into new coop

[aart]

I'm going to use 2x4 as roosts. Do I need to paint them?

Not IMO.

Uh oh! Ran out of 2x4! Would 3/4x5 work?

Eh....maybe. Depends on how long the span is, it may sag.
Is 3/4" x 5" and actual measurement?
2x4(nominal) is actually 1.5 x 3.5

 

[Ridgerunner]

Uh oh! Ran out of 2x4! Would 3/4x5 work?

If you lay them flat they should work, depending on the span as Aart said. That thin they would tend to sag and flex a lot. If it is somewhere they want to sleep chickens will sleep on shelves, on top of nests, or any flat surface, even a very large flat surface. In my opinion, people worry about this kind of stuff more than the chickens do.

I would not put these narrow side up. They would not sag much but would still flex side to side, depending in span. I've had some perch on 3/4" wide plywood on edge in the run but in my opinion it's just too narrow for them to be stable, at least for full sized fowl. Some smaller bantams may be able to do it, not sure.

Some people paint the roosts. Some of that is to try to stop giving roost mites a place to hide during the day. I don't paint mine and have never had roost mites so I don't consider it necessary. Some people may paint to make it easier to clean poop off of them. I use tree limbs and a 2x4 on edge as roosts so poop doesn't build up but if you have a flat roost it might. Some people paint them to be pretty. Pretty can be a valid reason.

I don't know what kind of paint you would use. I would not want one that they would scratch and flake off with their claws, they'd probably eat the flakes. Silly chickens.

 

[Cryss]

Not IMO.

Eh....maybe. Depends on how long the span is, it may sag.
Is 3/4" x 5" and actual measurement?
2x4(nominal) is actually 1.5 x 3.5

Using 6.25 lengths of 2x4 as "braces/posts/whatever you call the parts holding up the roost" at 4ft intervals. I think it will work, do you?

 

[Cryss]

Yes, flat side up!

 

[aart]

4' span should fine for a 1x.

 

[Cryss]

4' span should fine for a 1x.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am with Ridgerunner - I have flat boards, old fence posts, and tree branches, and sometimes they roost there, and sometimes here. Does not seem to matter. If they get two wide, they will collect poop.

When i have a broody with chicks, I will put a wide plank on top of the roosts, and the hen will get the chicks up there. They can sleep tucked under her, she can be with the flock and roosting, a win/win.

Mrs K

 

[Cryss]

I am with Ridgerunner - I have flat boards, old fence posts, and tree branches, and sometimes they roost there, and sometimes here. Does not seem to matter. If they get two wide, they will collect poop.

When i have a broody with chicks, I will put a wide plank on top of the roosts, and the hen will get the chicks up there. They can sleep tucked under her, she can be with the flock and roosting, a win/win.

Mrs K

What a cool idea! It sounds so cozy sweet.