How to prevent perching in specific area

[SproutGirl]

Hello,
I would like to prevent my birds from perching on the rafter above the heat light this winter, but I am not sure how to do it. It is the highest place in the coop, so I can see why they like it. But, it is also right above the light, so they poop on it and the poop cooks. Smells great, and is fun to clean. I want to make new perches below the lights for colder nights, but I know that they will not even try these out as long as they still have access to the rafters. I've thought of putting some sort of "pigeon sticks" up there that would make roosting uncomfortable, but I do not want to injure my chickens' feet. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It's hard to say without seeing it, but you could probably enclose the area with wire to block access

 

[OutInTheStiks]

We have some chicken wire folded accordian style and stapled on the rafter over our feeder. So far it has been effective.

 

[SproutGirl]

Quote:
That's a good idea! I can only hear the voice of that crazy baby in your avatar saying it though, and now it sounds sinister along with the picture!

 

[OutInTheStiks]

A pic to help explain our method. Not very pretty or elegant, but it seems to serve the purpose. And most importantly, it was free!

 

[kcfuerst]

I made a frame out of that green plastic fencing material so they couldn't access the highest areas. Worked great for me.

 

[SproutGirl]

Thanks! These are great suggestions. My poor birds are going to wonder what happened to their favorite perch! Hopefully they will soon love the new ones I'm building for them.