SIZE OF PERCH

[cherrychicken]

ok, I just need re assuring that I made the perch the right width. How wide should a perch be for standards?

 

[Chirpy]

First, are you asking about their roost where they sleep at night? Or the perch that is often put in front of the nest boxes to give them something to stand on before walking in?

I'm going to assume you mean their roost. So, then, do you mean like using a 2x4 and having the 4" side up for them to sit on?


Or, do you mean how long in feet for how many birds to be on? I think they say you should allow about 10" per bird, someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Edited to add info.

 

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

Check out this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=83456

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
What Chirpy said

(Just adding another vote)

Pat

 

[cmom]

I agree with these posts. 2x4 with the 4" wider side up. makes it easier the the birds to roosts.

 

[tvtaber]

We have 2x2s and they seem fine. We doi not have freezing conditions, though. The wider perchaes help their feet stay warmer in winter.

 

[bearcat73]

I know I read somewhere that they shouldn't be too small but they also shouldn't be too big. I'm going to have to find that link....

 

[bearcat73]

This isn't the article I was talking about, but I found this at poultryone.com:

Roosts: Roosts should be made of smooth lumber or thin, sturdy pipes made of plastic or metal. Do not make the roosts too large or too small, otherwise the birds will not be able to grasp it well. Also, make sure there is enough roost space for all of the chickens.​

 

[Opa]

Chickens do better if they can stand on a rooster rather than grasping it. Flat is much better than round and 3 1/2" (a 2x4) with the edges knocked off works great. I would never use metal pipe. The cold metal will actually cause your chickens to lose heat through their feet.

 

[ChickaD]

I'm surprised the birds would be able to get a good grip with a plastic or metal pipe. Living in a cold climate, I wouldn't advise metal, due to frostbite issues.

If using a post or branch, around 2" seems to be popular with the chickens. One "small" problem would be if you need to disinfect the roost for fighting mites, which can hide easier in bark or cracks in the wood. Just another reason for using smooth wood, such as 2 x 4's, I guess.