Flat Perches - Myth Debunked

[Time-Out]

Need I say anymore?

 

[vannaHaines]

What was the myth?

 

[Time-Out]

That chickens need a flat perches at least 4" across to cover their feet with their feathers, otherwise they get frostbite and their feet drop off.

I'm not sure who was the first person to say this, but I'm pretty sure wild pheasants would be extinct by now if it were the case.

The above perch is a branch about 2.5" in diameter. As you can see, the chicken uses these 'flaps' of feather to cover his feet.

 

[jak2002003]

Your are correct. Its also the same for pigeons. I keep a few pet pigeons and all the advise was they need flat platform type perches to roost on.

They were always getting covered in poop and the birds would walk in it and then fly about walking it into everything else they landed on.

I replaced them with thick branches - similar to the one your chickens are on - and everything is much cleaner and the birds can roost on them easily and comfortably.

 

[chfite]

Nevertheless, the flat perch may be cheaper to acquire or make and install. Besides, 2-1/2 inches in diameter is rather large, almost the size of a bean can.

Chris