Step under perch

[tamz08]

Hi All,
We have just started to build our own coop. Very exciting. Can you tell me why do coops have a built in step underneath the perch? Is there any good chicken reason for this?
Thanks:/

 

[Mahonri]

Sounds like you are talking about a poop board. Makes for cleaning the coop easier.

 

[elmo]

Yes! When chickens roost at night, they still poop, and the poop collects under the roost. If you put a board or tray under the roost to collect these night time droppings, it makes cleaning up easier in the morning. I use a plastic boot tray so I can simply take it over to my composter and dump out the contents.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds like a droppings board as the others mentioned. Another possibility, if the roost is high, some people will provide a perch, ramp, or such as an intermediate step to make it easier for them to get up there. Mine have no trouble going up 4 feet to get to the roost, but many still use the top of the nesting boxes as a step.

 

[tamz08]

Thank you, poop board, thats what I mean. I guessed it was somthing to do with making lide easier. Great thanks for your comments. I shall now decide wether to add one or not.