nest perch distance

[Sylvie]

We built our nest boxes but wonder how far from the nest the perch should be? We have a 4 1/2" board across the bottom of the nest to prevent the nesting material from falling out. Now we need to add the perch and are stumped!

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

The perch I put in front of my nest boxes is a 1" x 4" with the outer edge about 7" or 8" away from the nest boxes. The hens are able to easily step from the perch into the box.

I hope this helps.

 

[Chirpy]

You just want the chickens to be able to step directly from the perch into the nest box, so it shouldn't be very far away.

 

[Sylvie]

Should there be open space between the perch and nest?

 

[Chirpy]

Most people do have an open space that the chickens just step over. You certainly don't have to if something else works better for you. The perch is just there to give the hens something to jump/fly up to and then they can step into the nest boxes. I don't even have a perch in front of my nestboxes, my hens just jump/fly up to the nest box it self. I am wanting to add one eventually though, I think having a perch is a nice 'help' for the girls.