whats a better roosting pole

[plantguy90]

Trying to complete my new coop using old wood scraps, and I have two choices for roosting poles, so I wanted to ask the more experienced here what the chickens would prefer. One is a 2" diameter round wood post, the other is a piece of wood that appears to be a 2x4 that has been rounded down to resemble a round post split in half. Not sure about chicken feet, which would they prefer to roost on?

 

[kichohana]

2x4 rounded most certainly. it is easier for them to perch on with the width and the rounded edges are easier on their feet. they will "huddle" down at night to roost and the width makes it easier for them to balance and "settle down" and cover their feet (most important in winter).

 

[arch_cpj]

I walk out to the woods and get me a nice 3 inch sapling best roost money cant buy throw on a bit of poly and its cleanable...

 

[Tala]

I use a 2x4 and they like it just fine, the rounded edges are fine so I'd use that scrap.

 

[Illia]

We had our forest cut down, and so with some of the bigger trees we cut the trunks to 14' lengths to use as roosting perches. They work wonders, as they're a nice, round, natural feel, really strong, and wide enough to allow the chickens to walk across them and turn around with ease.

Not only is it free to do, but in reality it earned us money. (the cutting of the forest, really. . .

)

 

[Chipper]

Rounded 2x4

 

[eggchel]

I use 2x4s with the wider side up.

 

[nsanywhere]

use the 2x4 with the flat side up. they like to roost and sit on their feet at the same time, especially in the colder weather. if its too small and rounded, toes will stick out and risk frostbite or worse. might not be an issue where you are, but.....

 

[plantguy90]

I thought they like to grip smaller branches, right now the run only has old branches and they usually go for the 1" looking branches so I thought they like to "grip" their roosting poles... They have lots of sized to choose from, and they seem to roost near the 1-2 inch pieces.

If they like the flat side of the 2x4 better then why bother even using a wood with the rounded side? Why not just use a plain 2x4? We have a lot of scrap wood because of our nursery business, so the wood is all extra stuff, mostly palett wood, but some larger crate wood as well.

 

[faykokoWV]

regular old 2x4 is perfect.