Using 2X4 as Roost. Do they need to be rounded?

[hyperslug]

I am going to use a 2x4 as roost with them standing on the wide or 4" side. I read to round it but no explanation was given except they can it grip better. I figured if it is flat why would they need to grip it?

Anyway I have no ideal how to round it so any simple suggestion without several hundred dollar investment in a new tool or hours of sweaty labor in these 100 degree temps would be appreciated. Or just tell me it is not needed.

Thanks, Jeff

 

[OSUman]

i dont think its needed mine do just fine with it like it is and if you wanted to do it cheap just take a hammer to it.

 

[mstricer]

I used limbs from our cherry trees. My chickens love it. Its round and it has been in use for about 21/2 mouths and it stays clean no poo

 

[EweSheep]

I use the 4 inch side. Never had a problem nor anybody fell off of it at night!

 

[Chicken Ninja]

It doesn't really matter in my opinion which you use: squared or rounded edges, because they both work. The easiest thing for rounded would just be using natrual tree branches. They are easy to find, and work very well if put in right.

Squared also work, and are obviously easy to do. If you were trying to round the edges of a 2x4 or something like that, then a power sander works quite well and is fairly simple to do.

Hope that helps

 

[Davaroo]

I go ahead and hit the edges with a rasp. Couldnt hurt, you know?

 

[Baymen Moe]

If you want to round the edges with little effort, find someone with a router you could borrow. A rounding bit will make quick work of even a very long roost.

Bill

 

[letsgobucks!]

I've wondered about the size of the roost too. I've heard it recommended to use a 2x2 and also a 2x4. I have been using a 1x2 for our 4 week old chicks but will "graduate" to something bigger. I even rounded off the 1x2 and to do so I just held the wood at an angle by hand and used my jigsaw to nip off the edges. It was sort of random too and very much resembled a branch.

I suppose a branch would be the best since they are afterall birds. I can forsee even a rounded 2x4 still collecting lots of poop and getting dirty over time because of the flat side beings so large. Seems like a branch (round) with it's bark would be more difficult for the poop to stay on...

...Nothing like overanalyzing a chicken roost eh!?!?!

 

[Davaroo]

letsgobucks! :

...Nothing like overanalyzing a chicken roost eh!?!?!

'aint it the truth?!​

 

[Malou-La-Croix]

I just finished my coop and we used a wooden curtain road (about 2" in diameter) for the roost. So far it has worked fine and they seem to like it. I think you need to make sure that whatever you use doesnt have a slick or varnished finish so they can get a good grip. I think natural branches would be ideal.