Construct new perches

[annierose]

Hi all,
need some help putting in more perches and re-doing the ones i have... not enough perch for 5 chickens (1x sussex coronation, 1x plymouth barred rock, 1x isa brown, 2 x silkies)

I thinking the lowest perch i keep it that distance from back wall, make it a little higher and have it has one continuous perch (removing the tall one).

Or having a long perch that goes above the nesting boxes

on the left hand side in the small chicken door but nothing on the walls.

Look forward to your advice and designs

 

[CluckerFamily]

Since you have the poop board there, I would keep the roosts on the same side it is. I like your idea of making one long one higher than the highest one you have.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How far is the lower one from the wall?

I found that 14 or more inches was needed to keep the tails (and poop) off the wall.

 

[drinkoj]

Whatever you decide to do, get those perches higher than the nesting boxes, so they don't learn how to roost in them and poop where they should lay eggs.

I do like the idea of the perch being above the nesting boxes, as that looks like a quick fix.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You have two Silkies that can't fly. I think that eliminates the area over your nests. The tops of the nests should be sloped enough they cannot roost on them. My juvenile roost is over the nests and that works out great but I don't think it would work in your case.

I don't know how wide your droppings board is but I'd use that area. I'd probably extend that higher roost, it should be higher enough than the bottom of your nests to keep them from sleeping in them but your Silkies will probably need a step so they can get up there, a step like that lower roost.