What size pvc pipe for roost?

[ging3rhoffman]

We are going to use pvc pipe for our roost but wasnt sure what size to use. If anyone has any pictures of their roost please post them. two heads are better than one.

 

[oberhaslikid]

I used this once and they kept falling off.I had to put some Duct tape around to get a gripper on it.I used 1 1/2 inch I believe.

 

[Lollipop]

They don`t care what size, but 1 1/2" is good. Gives them enough surface so they can cover their toes in cold weather. PVC is real good as it doesn`t harbor leg mites like wood does.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The posts I have seen on here recommend you do not use PVC for roots. it is supposed to be too slick for the chickens to grasp. The usual recommendation is wood. If someone who has tried PVC writes in, we could all learn more.

Most people use 2x4's. If frostbite is a concern, some people lay the 2x4's flat side up so the birds feathers cover their feet when they roost. It is supposed to be more comfortable for the chicken if the 2x4 is on edge with the corners are rounded off so the chicken can grip. That would make the prefered thickness about 1-1/2" to 2" but I'm sure you could go bigger. PVC that small would have to be braced a lot or it would sag badly.

I'm building my coop and already have branches from the recent ice storm drying to be used as roosts. You might find branches from where someone pruned trees over the winter. One downside to using branches is that mites can hide in the bark. I'll try sprinkling DE on it and leave the bark so the chickens can grip the rough bark better. If that does not work, I'll skin it off and oil the underside. Another problem with branches is to get them to lay flat and not roll. Properly applies nails or screws should solve that.

Good luck with what you decide.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
Thanks for the post. I learned something.

 

[Opa]

Try do a search on roosts. You will find the preferred roosts are flat.

 

[orchidchick]

If you ever have a chicken with an enlarged or pendulous crop, the larger side of the 2" x 4" will offer additional support in the healing process. Since I changed my roosts out, my hen that went through 3 bouts of it has been fine. She is a piggy, though

It also allows them enough room to work out the nightly pecking order for "top spot"!

Orchidchick

 

[patandchickens]

I would really really suggest using wood not pvc. PVC is real slippery, and if you duct tape it (or etc) to make it less slippery it becomes harder to clean poo off, and if (meaning 'when') the edges start to peel, chickens are likely to peck at them and start eating the duct tape.

Anyhow wood is cheaper and more readily available

All you need is a 2x4, round the edges back a little if they are very 'square'. Or just use a dead tree branch, like 4-6" diameter, with the bark peeled off.

I'd save the PVC pipe for projects where you actually need PVC pipe or where its virtues are utilized

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Farmer Brown]

Quote:
I agree with Opa. Our girls prefer a 2x4 roost over the tree branch I first used as a roost.

 

[Bluedog420]

No PVC....cold on feet....I use 2 by 4's....