Orpington Perch Size/Height?

[ojaichickadee]

I've read that having perches up too high for large breeds, like orpingtons, will possibly cause bumble foot, with their heavy weight coming down hard from high perches.

So, how high is just right for orpingtons? Also, do they like square shaped perches (2x2s) or round shaped poles? How many perches do 5 orpingtons need?

Thanks in advance!

 

[GC-Raptor]

The heaviest breeds I've had were Barred Rocks, hens average 7.5 pounds.
The oldest 3 were 33 months old, and none of them ever got bumble foot. I've had chickens for 5 years and never had one get bumble foot.
My lower roost is 18", upper roost is 21.5".
Both of my small coops are less than 4' high where roosts are, and the coops are less than 4' wide, so I can't have higher roosts.

I like my roosts made from 2"x 3", wide side up.
Shown with pullets less than 6 weeks old. GC

 

[TopatoDuckbun]

I don't think the perch being higher or lower would change the pressure on there feet. I have my perches at 4 ft and 5.5 ft and my brahma lady could get up fine.

 

[ojaichickadee]

The heaviest breeds I've had were Barred Rocks, hens average 7.5 pounds.
The oldest 3 were 33 months old, and none of them ever got bumble foot. I've had chickens for 5 years and never had one get bumble foot.
My lower roost is 18", upper roost is 21.5".
Both of my small coops are less than 4' high where roosts are, and the coops are less than 4' wide, so I can't have higher roosts.View attachment 2785894
I like my roosts made from 2"x 3", wide side up.
Shown with pullets less than 6 weeks old. GC

Thank you!

 

[ojaichickadee]

I don't think the perch being higher or lower would change the pressure on there feet. I have my perches at 4 ft and 5.5 ft and my brahma lady could get up fine.

Thank you!

 

[Sally PB]

Another thing to consider is what they land on. A nice thick pad of bedding will help with their landing safely.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So, how high is just right for orpingtons? Also, do they like square shaped perches (2x2s) or round shaped poles? How many perches do 5 orpingtons need?

You'll get differing opinions on shape of roosts and heights. I do round, some people prefer flat. As far as width, count on roughly 12" of roost per bird.