ROOSTING BARS

[Devinetex]

I want to know about placement of the roosting bars. Some are round, some are 2x2, 2x4 etc. I felt like the 2x4 placed with the 4" laying flat for them to sit on would be best but......... I have found all kinds of ways. I live in far south Texas and I don't worry about frostbite here (which seems to be of concern to northerners) Any advice on which way to install the roosting bars.

 

[WingItRanch]

Honestly, the reason there are so many different opinions is because there's no right answer.

I have 2x4 and 2x3 as roosting bars. The wider side up for the chickens to rest on. I sand mine a little to make sure it's smooth and very slightly rounded but there's really no right or wrong way. Make sure it's up high enough (higher than nesting boxes) but low enough for them to comfortably hop down without injury.

What breed of chickens do you? Large, heavy breeds and smaller breeds like silkies require some adjustments.

 

[Devinetex]

Thank you, we are building a chicken tractor. The directions say to mount the 2x4 with the 2" side up . We have 4 week old Copper Marans and Easter Eggers. Then we have 2 week old Guineas and white leghorn.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Thank you, we are building a chicken tractor. The directions say to mount the 2x4 with the 2" side up . We have 4 week old Copper Marans and Easter Eggers. Then we have 2 week old Guineas and white leghorn.

Some do use marrow narrow side up, thinking it helps grip, but when mine perch out in the run on large tree branches, I can see that they’re just resting on their feet, not gripping.

But it doesn’t seem critical. The Nestera coops have 2x2’s, and the birds seem fine.

Will the plan allow you to switch to wide side up?

Edit: iPhone

 

[Devinetex]

They have them already mounted but I would think you could remove the screws and rotate the board. Just haven't decided what to do yet.

 

[NatJ]

They have them already mounted but I would think you could remove the screws and rotate the board. Just haven't decided what to do yet.

Since they are already mounted, I would leave them alone for now. No point in doing more work if you aren't even sure it needs doing.

 

[ColoradoChicken89]

I don't know first hand, but researching this topic I have seen that 2x2s get less poop on them then 2x4s. IDK how many people have experience with this personally, but I can send a link to the video I saw it on. Though, IDK if that is really a concern.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I don't know first hand, but researching this topic I have seen that 2x2s get less poop on them then 2x4s. IDK how many people have experience with this personally, but I can send a link to the video I saw it on. Though, IDK if that is really a concern.

Well, if does make sense, and I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that this had crossed my mind…

 

[Devinetex]

I am not as concerned about the poop but whether they can roost comfortably on the 2". Logically to me, the 4" would be better but the instructions had them mount it upright.

 

[ColoradoChicken89]

I am not as concerned about the poop but whether they can roost comfortably on the 2". Logically to me, the 4" would be better but the instructions had them mount it upright.

tbh, I haven't heard of issues with 2", though I have heard issues with 1" or less causing bumblefoot... So 2" could maybe cause some issues, especially in larger breeds or just a chicken with larger feet. Personally, I don't see the issue with erroring on the side of caution, and going against the instructions, to just using the 4" side.