Roosts/perch

[Utnmcb21]

Another question for my friends here at byc. Has anyone considered or used PVC plastic pipe for the roost and will it work?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Any plastic or PVC is going to be way to slippery. Chickens need to grip the roost bar. If they slip on a plastic roost bar, they can fall and injure themselves. Plastic is not very warm either and can sweat in humid conditions.

Always use wood of some kind for roost bars.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2 Regular PVC pipe is slippery, and depending where you are would worry about the cold in the winter especially. They do make 2x4 PVC for decking that might be something to consider in the right area, or other people have painted or glued something for texture on the pipe.

 

[Utnmcb21]

Ok thanks. I kinda thought that already but figured I would ask. I know 2x4s are recommended but what about dowels? Will they be able to grab it ? Or do they need to stand on it rather then grab it?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Just make sure the roosts aren't rough, splintery, cold or slippery.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. I wouldn't recommend dowels. They can almost as slippery as pvc. Probably the best roosting bars would be some cut tree limbs 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your roosting bars.

 

[drumstick diva]

Two by fours are most often used with the 4" side up. This way a roosting bird can rest it's head on it's feet and keep them warmer in winter.