Rustic stick roost instructions

[Spudd dud]

I'd like to think they are fairly clear but let me know what you guys think! I built them for my nest box and after looking at them a bit they almost look too nice for chickens to poop on.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=81983-rustic-stick-roosts

 

[BrattishTaz]

Very nice! Now you can come over and build me some.

 

[Spudd dud]

To be honest if your not taking pictures it only takes 20-30 minutes to do and that includes finding the branch! But you send me the plane ticket and I'm so there!!!

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[elmo]

Very nice!

A couple of thoughts. When I use natural branches for roosts, I run my hands over the branch to make sure there are no rough or sharp spots (especially where I've trimmed off other branches) that could cause abrasions on a chicken's foot...that could lead to a bumble foot infection. Where I find rough spots, I sand them down really well.

The other thing I do is remove any visible mold or fungus, and then give the branch a good spraying with Adams Flea and Tick spray. Then I sit the branch out to dry well in the sun. Mites from wild birds sometimes hide in tree bark or crevices in the wood, and I don't want to add critters like that to my coop or aviary.

Finally, make sure that the tree you pick for your natural roost isn't a toxic one. This applies more to perches for other kinds of birds than chickens, since chickens aren't wood chewers the way parrots are.

 

[debid]

Very nice! I'm planning to do this for the hop perch by my nest boxes. There are some wild pear trees growing under the power lines that need to come down and fruit tree wood makes nice perches. I wasn't sure how I was going to attach them to the nest box area so your instructions have helped me! Thank you

 

[NottinghamChicks]

I love your perches and your step by step instructions. I also use nothing but branches for roosts. I have 2 two inch diameter branches side to side mounted in the coop for night time roosting which gives them a nice wide perch for keeping their feet covered up for warmth in our Northern winters. In the run I also have natural perches for them. I like the way they look and you can't beat the price

 

[Spudd dud]

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Excellent advice, I think I'll add that to the end of the my instructions.