Round OR Square?

[avroncotton]

Just about to put some new perches in the coop and thought about dowel rod, but are there any problems with that? What has everyone else got? Any feedback would be welcome.

Tony

 

[Gracefulspice]

We used old hand rails from the house we live in. Sanded them down some so they wern't slippery. They are slightly rounded where their feet go and flat on the bottom. Works quite well..and it's all recycled.

 

[countrygirl4513]

landscaping timbers work good. eight foot sections, good thickness. that's what i use. i've noticed that they like something wider like that to rest their feet on, and it allows them to balance easier. even old branches work good too, at least 6 in. around.

 

[allen wranch]

2X4 with the big side up. They can snuggle down and cover their tootsies in cold weather.

Also, chickens do not hold on the way other birds do, and a flat roost is better for their feet.

 

[Critter Crazy]

Round edge on the Perches is best. as chickens breast bones are curved. If they perch os square perches they can bruise their breast bone. We used 1x2's and just rounded the edges. we placed them so the 1 inch side is where they perch on, not the 2 inch side.

 

[countrygirl4513]

landscaping timbers are rounded, at least they are here where i get them.

 

[lively Bee's]

I just use small popular saplings a about 2 1/2 - 3" on one end and 2 - 2 1/2 on the other. Placed at 3' 4' 6' 7' and the bird use.....


The 2x4 rafters

I can go in the coop any night and 50 - 51 of my 56 birds will be up at 8' in the rafters then the other 5 - 6 will be in the nest box's or on one of the other poles

 

[allen wranch]

Breast or keel bruises and blisters are usually found on the heavier meat birds. I haven't heard of anyone having them in a regular backyard flock. I have known of birds getting bumblefoot because their feet were irritated from the roost. Whatever you use be sure the wood is smooth, especially if you use tree branches.