Roosts for the coop

[KikiDeAnime]

We currently have building the new coop on hold until we get some dry days but I wanted to ask about the type of roosts I want to put in the coop. The coop will be big enough to have a couple of roosts.

The type of roosts I want to put in are branches from one of our large trees in our backyard. The reason I want to put those in is because I want to give the chickens a more natural roost. Plus, they currently roost in the tree sometimes during the day anyway so I figured I'd use the branches from their favorite tree. There are a few branches in that tree that are so wide, the hens' feet don't curl around them all the way so I think it'll work.

I'll get a photo of the new coop to give an idea of what it'll look like but it's our old A-Frame swing set.

Has anyone done this?
Do you have photos of the branch roosts you put in?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mite issues are very common in western Europe. On a chicken forum in the Netherlands they say: you can be sure to get a mite infestation some day. You only don't know when. So be prepared and take control.

I don't doubt mites are a common problem although not sure on rates in the US. But *knocks on wood* we haven't had issues, so unless I see a need to take the step of de-barking all the branches (we have more in the run) or switching to cut lumber, I'm fine using branches with bark.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I picked out the straightest fallen branches I could find, approx 2" in diameter, and cut off any side branch buds and sanded down any rough spots. I left the bark intact as we haven't had any mite issues.

 

[Ridgerunner]

This is how I attached my tree branch roosts. Drill a hole in the end plus the support and drop in a rod or, in this case, a big nail. This way you can remove them pretty easily.

This might give you a better idea of what mine looks like. Certainly not that straight. The back one is about a foot off the wall, and the other is about a foot further over. The built-in brooder underneath is my droppings board, plus those plastic bins where the brooder does not reach.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Those look amazing!
That's what I'm going for, more of the natural look of how branches are. They don't have to be straight, otherwise they wouldn't be put in. They just have to be strong enough to hold up the weight of our birds.

I aim for "straight" (or at least, straight enough) branches as I find the birds don't like sitting on the sloped parts (which I can't blame them, who wants to spend a night standing at a tilt?) and too much slope or twisting parts reduces the amount of usable roost space.

I admit I'm less about how it looks and more about the free, reusable resource that's just sitting in my yard. If any of my existing branches get too worn out looking, I just go haul in another branch.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have used branches as roost forever. Not sure how well you can see in pix. 2 to 3 inch diameter branches are ideal. I leave bark on,,,,,, but do sand down any sharp or protruding knots. Don't want my hens to injure foot pad.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[aart]

If you think you are in a high mite area, you can always take the roosts and rub DE into the bark.

Ehhh...don't count on it.
Be vigilant by checking frequently for pests,
then treating with something that will actually kill them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My flock seem to like the ones that arch upwards and they all try to be the one who is near the top of the branch.

Anything to be up higher, even an inch!

 

[BDutch]

Good idea. But better remove all the bark. Mite love this as a hiding place.

 

[BDutch]

View attachment 1993914

I picked out the straightest fallen branches I could find, approx 2" in diameter, and cut off any side branch buds and sanded down any rough spots. I left the bark intact as we haven't had any mite issues.

Mite issues are very common in western Europe. On a chicken forum in the Netherlands they say: you can be sure to get a mite infestation some day. You only don't know when. So be prepared and take control.

The wild bird spread the red mites. Chicken farms as well as private owners with just a few chickens all have to deal with mite at one point.

map mite infestations in Europe made by University in the Netherlands.
https://www.wur.nl/upload_mm/c/4/d/c33571b5-6cfb-48d7-aa3b-caa5678d0742_aantallen_vogelmijt.JPG