how far should perch be in front of nest box?

[wahmommy]

We have our nest boxes about 3' up off the ground, and I want to put a 1" (about the same size as a 2 x 2) branch in front so that the birds have something to fly up to to get in. How far from the cutout do I need to mount it? 2"?

 

[Judy]

I'd say more than that. Think half the chicken's body width. Maybe 5"? They will walk back and forth to choose the "best" nest.