Is this perch too high?

[3KillerBs]

I’ve heard so many mixed things about that. What’s everyone’s experience with that?

IIRC, someone did some tests and found that the owners cared a lot more than the chickens did.

 

[Kelster65]

IIRC, someone did some tests and found that the owners cared a lot more than the chickens did.

I know... I'm constantly reminded that they eat, crap, lay eggs and repeat. They don't need to live in the freaking Taj mahal, Kelly...

 

[McChooky]

Good to know. I do worry about bumblefoot. We will start with this height and see how they do. Hoping they’re smart enough to just use the ramp and not risk a jump, but as said, they do kind of fly and I’m sure they’ll go against what i want, as always Thanks for the info! I am sanding the roost down a bit to avoid bumblefoo, as well!

After treating a hen for bumble foot once you won't want to use another high roost again.
It can take months of soaking & dressing their feet to get rid of it. .Some require antibiotics.

 

[3KillerBs]

I know... I'm constantly reminded that they eat, crap, lay eggs and repeat. They don't need to live in the freaking Taj mahal, Kelly...

My roosts are natural "branches" because not only have we had tree work done, scrub oak and pine saplings are weeds on this property while 2x4's cost money.

 

[aart]

After treating a hen for bumble foot once you won't want to use another high roost again.

Bumblefoot can happen even with low/no roosts.
Many places for a foot to get cut then infected.

 

[Kelster65]

My roosts are natural "branches" because not only have we had tree work done, scrub oak and pine saplings are weeds on this property while 2x4's cost money.

I like that idea. I'm always on the lookout for larger limbs.

 

[3KillerBs]

I like that idea. I'm always on the lookout for larger limbs.

If I wanted to be fancy about it I could say that I'm providing a natural, forest-like environment for them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I like that idea. I'm always on the lookout for larger limbs.

Same, especially as some of my run perches have snapped recently. Cutting down some overgrowth around the creek right now, so looks like I'll have a few good candidates to save for later use.

 

[McChooky]

Bumblefoot can happen even with low/no roosts.
Many places for a foot to get cut then infected.

Unfortunately this is true thanks!

 

[Carolyn99]

I tried to have a high perch outdoors, and they did not use it. But they would go very high in the trees. But they had intermediate limbs to get up. Currently, in the coop, they are 8", and like it. (But they might like it higher in the coop if they had a choice.)