SIZE OF PERCH

[bearcat73]

And from this site: http://www.poultry.allotment.org.uk/Poultry/Start_Keeping_Chickens/chicken_coop_check.php

Perches
There needs to be a perch for the birds to sleep on at night, with a minimum 20 cm of space per bird (30 cm if you have large birds). The width is 4-5 cm and slightly rounded at the sides for ease of grasping. Ideally the perch should be placed higher than the nest boxes so that the chickens are not encouraged to sleep in the latter. If there is more than one perch they need to be arranged in such a way that chickens are not directly below each other. The perches should be easy to remove for ease of cleaning.​

 

[bearcat73]

Flat is much better than round

Why would flat be better than round? In the wild, they roost in trees...and branches are not flat. I'm just curious. I've read that chickens LIKE to wrap their feet around something, not just sit on it. I have to leave work in a few minutes so I don't have time to google anything but will be back in here monday. I'm getting ready to modify a small barn for a new coop so I'm looking at roost options.​

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Why would flat be better than round? In the wild, they roost in trees...and branches are not flat. I'm just curious. I've read that chickens LIKE to wrap their feet around something, not just sit on it. I have to leave work in a few minutes so I don't have time to google anything but will be back in here monday. I'm getting ready to modify a small barn for a new coop so I'm looking at roost options.

I agree with the round being more natural for perching. I would say more comfortable all around. I know people think the flat surface is better in the winter and all, but I've visualized my birds from underneath on the roost just to see if any toes are exposed and they are fully covered by feathers. I assume wild birds are protected by this feature in much the same way. And far much easier for shedding droppings.

 

[Akane]

I've read that chickens LIKE to wrap their feet around something, not just sit on it.

My chickens disagree. I put in 2" diameter roosts made up of small trees we cleared around the property earlier in the year. My chickens all sit on the 2x4s that make up the sides of the coop instead. None use the roosts. They like to be able to crouch down with their whole bodies and feet flat on the board and a wall against their sides instead of grasping a pole with open air around them.​

 

[Opa]

Chickens were originally jungle birds and they spend their days walking around foraging. They have walking feet and much prefer a wide surface to roost on.

 

[Doughpat]

Just a thought: Perhaps chickens in the wild roosted on really big branches, where the branch diameter is large enough that it begins to "feel like" a flat surface. Sorta like the Earth is round, but it sure looks flat at our scale.

More importantly, I'd say that chickens in the wild probably never encountered the freezing temperatures that they live in now, so let them cover up their exposed toes!

 

[Opa]

One additional contribution about flat vs round. Droppings tend to adhere to what ever surface they land on. With a flat surface it is very easy to clean with a wide putty knife. Round roosts get as dirty and they are much harder to clean. Use flat, easier on your chickens and easier for you.

 

[FisherMOM]

The Thread Title.. THE SIZE OF PERCH

For a second, I forgot that this wasn't a fishing forum! lol!

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I wouldn't know...my round roosts haven't had any droppings on them since we've had them!