Roost type - 2X4 or round dowell

[leelyndal]

I once heard a rumor or two claiming that 2X4's make better roosts for the chicken's feet than round dowels, or vice versa.

While I can speculate that rounds ones are more similar to tree limbs their ancestors would have roosted on, I'd like to know if any of you have insight into this question which goes beyond speculation or hear-say? Is there any know problem one style causes for chickens?

Thank you,
henry

 

[pkeeler]

If you use a dowel, and not a tree branch, make sure it isn't sanded smooth. Seems very smooth round roosts (sanded wood, plastic, metal) can cause foot problems.

 

[justusnak]

I have several different types of roosts. In one hen house...I used a tree limb. This limb is about as big around as my wrist....maybe 2 1/2 inches wide...in another hen house, I used 2x4's ( had some extras) in another...we used 2x2's. The idea is, to make it big enough so that in the winter, when they roost, they are covering thier feet to keep them warm. The 2x4 roost really seem to work better in our area, where the winters get pretty cold.