roost questions

[Tinkerchick]

We just finished our coop and I still need to put in roosts. What would be best for this? And how many? I have 7 chickens and will probably get a few more this spring.
Tink

 

[3peeps]

It depends how cold it gets, and how big your birds are. It gets very cold where I live so I'll be using 2'x4"s so they can tuck their feet under the feathers.

In warmer areas I've seen even tree branches used. Heavy breeds will need at least 2" diameter I think, and bantams 1".

Check the learning center on the homepage of this website.

 

[speckledhen]

You know, I just saw 2x3's at Lowe's yesterday and thought that was the absolute perfect size with rounded edges, of course. Bantams are fine on something smaller, but the larger breeds just seem more comfy 2x4's or 2x3 sizes. I have some rungs on my roost ladder from a very heavy pallet and they were 2x4's that were machined to a very rounded edge, making them more of a 2x3.
The main thing to remember is that chickens dont grip with their back toes exactly like wild birds do, so truly round poles aren't usually the best. Just make sure they're smooth to avoid bumblefoot infections.

 

[aran]

what is a bumblefoot infection? I have a few pine tree branches im using as roosts in addition to some broom handles, and 2x2, 4x2 etc.

 

[speckledhen]

Bumblefoot is a very nasty, hard to eradicate, staff infection in the pad of the foot. It starts by an abrasion then staff bacteria entering through the abrasion. I have had to fight it with one hen for most of her life-the same original infection, for about 9 months. It builds up a pus plug in the pad and can go systemic if left untreated. Very nasty thing you really don't want to deal with. Staff exists in our environment and chickens' feet are not as tough as you think. I know what caused the case at my place and eliminated it, but the infection has survived maybe 7 rounds of very powerful antibiotic, multiple surgeries, salt packing and soaks, etc.

 

[Tinkerchick]

Thank you. You have been very helpful. I have 3 Aruacanas, 3 Bantams and 1 Orington. I will probably put in a few different size's.