Advice wanted on Perches please :)

[Glutton4...]

Hi fellow Chookaholics

My beloved Mr. G. has suggested I use a panel of 'Heras' fencing (other brands are available!) secured to and leaning against, the wall, instead of individual perches. At first I 'poo-pooed' the idea, but then I started pondering on it, so I have decided to ask on here anyway.

We are considering converting an empty 12' x 12' stable so I can continue/add to my addiction...





My name is Jane and I'm a Chookaholic ...

[RedThorn]

Hi Jane. I'm sadly the same

I just used 1 by 1 timber and smoothed off the corners... you can make as many as you want and at different heights

[MaureenHall]

I don't really know what "Heras" fencing is so I've just googled it. If the bits the birds are to perch on are really narrow, they won't feel comfortable. The perches really need to be at least 1" x 1"

[Nicos]

Wouldn't metal perches be very cold in winter ???

Mine have wooden 4x3cm posts rounded off- and when it's really chill , they cuddle up next to each other by shuffling along the perch.

[RedThorn]

I don't really know what "Heras" fencing is so I've just googled it. If the bits the birds are to perch on are really narrow, they won't feel comfortable. The perches really need to be at least 1" x 1"

I didn't know either Aunty Mo

[RichmondHens]

If they are going to be roosting in a stable then you have huge flexibility in what you use. You could just put in a big branch or two, or you could fit corner perches, or you could make a free standing roost which you can just lift out. It depends on how many birds you have but obviously with a stable you can fit quite a few in .........!

I have an assortment of cocks roosting in one of my stables on a couple of builders metal trestles. I open the door in the morning, they free range all day and return at dusk. With a high roost the cleaning out is minimal - they don't walk in any poo as they just fly on and off. There are just neat little piles underneath the roost which I remove once a week. For a few chickens it is ideal.

[Eco-Chic]

Richmond commented recently that using branches instead of the flat rounded edge perches meant that one is less likely to have to scrape dried on poo from the perches.

I've been using a branch and part of a broom stick since September and I've never had to scrape them.

My girls have always scrunched up tightly together on the perch (they pack in sardine style) so I think they do it for comfort and security, not just warmth.

[HayleyB]

My name is Hayley and I'm a Chookaholic too

Ours is a 16' x 12' stable

We've got a long piece of roofing lathe for the perch, with rounded tops, on pieces of fencing. We also have two old chairs with the seat taken out that the laydees love perching on (top and bottom). Some perch on the Belfast sink/indoor dust pool...

[HayleyB]

Nope take that back it wasn't roofing lathe I haven't a clue what it was actually

[Bramble-Poultry]

chooks have very little in the way of nerves in their feet. in fact they have very little in the way of blood vessels either so they wont feel the cold in the same way we would on their feet, that said, in the deepest depths of winter i wouldnt want the birds roosting on metal incase they literally freeze to it!

A branch is very good for the chickens feet as it means that it has varying thicknesses so the chicken has to keep adjusting its grip. this means it wont get "RSI" from the same diameter perches day in and day out.

Standard chooks require approx 1" width of perch, with the sharp 90 degree edge worn away so that it is more comfortable to grip. Remember (for those who it is important to) to class your birds as truly free range, not only should they have a minimum of 4sqm outside space to graze, they also need a minimum of 6" perch per bird. so 10 birds = 5 feet of perch length! If they roost on the floor then they need a maximum of 9 birds per square metre indoor floor space to.

Heras fencing is best used to create a temporary fox proof run rather than a perching system.

[RichmondHens]

............. in the deepest depths of winter i wouldnt want the birds roosting on metal incase they literally freeze to it!

I was concerned the metal would be too cold in winter and put a wooden perch in the stable too but the cocks prefer the metal one. I think they are at low risk of freezing as their feet are generally clean and dry and when I feel them actually pretty warm. Will report back if I get a case of "frozen to the perch chook!"

[Glutton4...]

Thanks for all your comments I am planning to use wooden perches, with the 2 top corner edges rounded-off, which is what they have currently, but himself suggested using one of the fencing panels we've bought, so I thought I'd ask anyway!

They'll have a secure 'Pen' area made from these fence panels (I bought about 30 of them cheaply on eBay), and we'll fix a mesh roof on it to keep out the wild birds, as I really object to feeding Pigeons, Magpies and Jays - they eat far too much! During the day they will be out in the paddock protected by their existing leccy fence (2 x 50 metre sections), which I can move around as required. It'll be plenty of room for them, so it means I can get some more - watch this space

[Eco-Chic]

Maude was scratching about outside the coop and her feet felt wet and cold. Then she walked up the ramp, kicked the shavings about and gallumphed onto the perch and magic, her feet were nice and dry and warm. Took seconds.

[RichmondHens]

I quite like chickens' feet .......... Warm wattles too, if you give a cock a kiss goodnight ........... get a life RH ............

[Bramble-Poultry]

Sally, there is sooo much mileage in that last statement what with warm feet and kissing...... god i have a filthy mind sometimes. going off to lie down