Natural Limb Roosts

[debid]

Someone had a nice sketch of the tendons, bones, and claws of a chicken when it squats down on a branch. The squatting naturally tightens the grip of the claws. What survival instinct would cause them to loosen their grip when they are sleeping so they could fall out? I’m sorry Debid, that fails the common sense test plus goes against what I see in my coop.
...

No need to apologize! I'm frankly glad to hear the "2x4s laid flat are all that works" crew is no longer the vocal majority on BYC. I would like to see those sketches if you have a link. I'm pretty sure it was here that I read over and over about chickens not gripping when they sleep and how their feet are best suited to a flat position. Not recalling those links either, though, if there ever were any. Lots of oft repeated "facts" end up being opinion...

 

[Ridgerunner]

I haven't been able to find the one I was looking for. I can't remember who posted it but it's someone you'd recognize. But just do a search on perching and tendons. You will get several images.

Or try this. Next time you are handling a chicken, straighten and bend its legs and observe the claws to see what happens.

 

[debid]

I haven't been able to find the one I was looking for. I can't remember who posted it but it's someone you'd recognize. But just do a search on perching and tendons. You will get several images.

Or try this. Next time you are handling a chicken, straighten and bend its legs and observe the claws to see what happens.

Oh, now I really want to read the thread and can't find it! Take a hiatus and miss a good row.

 

[ChikaD]

Thank you very much, that was very helpful! (yeah, I *might* tend to overhthink things)

 

[SavageDestiny]

If you're really worried you could always give them options- a 2'x4' as well as a natural branch. I think either is fine though.

In my run, I have an old patio chair out there for them to hang out on and a natural branch perch as well. All four shun the branch and use the chair, haha.