Wrapping roost bars with hemp rope

[Fontaine]

About half of my flock of16 have some stage of bumblefoot.I am familiar with the treatment but wonder if a roost wrap would do any good, making the bar softer. The culprit I’m sure is the soil….rocks,sea shell bits pine needles dirt and sand. They range in a half acre and spend the day scratching.I scoop the poop in the area at least twice a day so I would say the conditions are as sanitary as possible with chickens. They are various sizes but the roost bar is less than 3 feet high with a soft sand floor. The bars are smooth, no splinters. I am asking for opinions, because the hemp rope for 4 bars is not cheap , will be a little hard to apply, and I’m not sure the chickens will like it. I once tried wrapping one bar with a thick, soft, nylon rope, and they wouldn’t go near it. Also, there may be negative things about adding rope that I haven’t thought about . Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! I tried to attach photos of my soil and the roost bars, but for some reason I am unable. The roost bars are cedar probably 3 inches in diameter round with edging all around. I don’t know the term for that type of multi surface, edging on a round pole.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally wouldn't use rope. You could end up with tiny pieces getting stuck around the toes. I have read where strips of carpeting stapled on roosts can help cushion them.

I use 2x4 pine boards for roosts. I've read a round roost is harder for them to grip. If you put the 4 up it provides extra stability, and chickens can cover their toes in winter.

I've never had bumble foot here. Not sure why some people have problems with it, and others don't. Doesn't seem to be one common denominator that contributes to it.

 

[Fontaine]

I personally wouldn't use rope. You could end up with tiny pieces getting stuck around the toes. I have read where strips of carpeting stapled on roosts can help cushion them.

I use 2x4 pine boards for roosts. I've read a round roost is harder for them to grip. If you put the 4 up it provides extra stability, and chickens can cover their toes in winter.

I've never had bumble foot here. Not sure why some people have problems with it, and others don't. Doesn't seem to be one common denominator that contributes to it.

Good point. I guess a toenail could get stuck and that would be a real problem. I never thought of that. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Fontaine]

I personally wouldn't use rope. You could end up with tiny pieces getting stuck around the toes. I have read where strips of carpeting stapled on roosts can help cushion them.

I use 2x4 pine boards for roosts. I've read a round roost is harder for them to grip. If you put the 4 up it provides extra stability, and chickens can cover their toes in winter.

I've never had bumble foot here. Not sure why some people have problems with it, and others don't. Doesn't seem to be one common denominator that contributes to it.

Good point. I guess a toenail could get stuck and that would be a real problem. I never thought of that. Thanks for the tip!