Roosts, 2 x 4s and rounded edge question

[Yay Chicks!]

I've noticed that many use 2 x 4s, 4" side up for roosts. That's fine with me as that is what I have left over. However, I keep reading the phrase "with rounded edges." So, maybe an odd questions, but what are you rounding the edges with?

 

[Harrietsmum]

I just used a wood rasp and then neatened it with some rough sand paper. Guess it depends on how long your roosts are.

 

[berkeleysprings]

i like to turn the 2 x 4 so that the 4 inch part is up not the 2 inch ,that way they can keep there toes warm when they roost there feathers cover the top

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Thanks, Harrietsmum, I will look up 'wood rasp'. A contractor friend has done most of the work on the coop, leaving me to staple up wire and paint etc. I'm a bit challenged in the construction and tool department

but am trying to do some of the final stuff myself. I think another day and the coop should be complete!

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

You can also take the edges off with a skill saw, then sand it a bit to make it comfy for them.

 

[Violinist4lyfe]

Should you use the 4" side of the 2 X 4 for bantams too or would the 2" side be better?

 

[svalentine]

My husband made the most wonderful roosts for our 15 chickens and they don't seem to like them. They walk on them and go under them, but that's it. He wonders now if they should be more like a tree branch. Sure would be nice if there were an instruction manual for chickens.

 

[Opa]

Most 2x4's sold today don't have a crisp sharp edge so rounding them isn't really necessary.

If you send anytime watching chickens that are roosting on a perch that requires them to grasp it, you will see they are constantly in motion. They don't lower themselves down onto their feet. They don't relax they are working to stay on the roost. A chickens foot evoled to walk not perch. Flat is better and the 4" width isn't too wide for bantam either.

 

[svalentine]

Ok. So does it matter how high up the roosting bar is?

 

[speckledhen]

For heavy birds, you don't want them to have to jump down from a great height, which can abrade the feet and cause bumblefoot. A ladder type works better than anything so they can hop up one step at a time. Mine starts a foot off the floor and goes up to about 5 ft high. Since bantams are lighter weight, it can be higher. They don't have all the sudden pressure on their feet when they jump down like the big ones do.

For my big blue Orps, I have a roost shelf about 21" off the floor, made with a frame and the green plastic garden fencing for poop to fall through. My rooster in that group is a tank and prone to spraining his leg if he has to jump off something too high.