The perch experiment

[True Patriot]

I'm linking this thread to my article on my experiment with different perch materials. Results of the experiment will be posted in the article.
Link-
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

 

[True Patriot]

Right now I have 4 more variations in mind, so 8 weeks unless perch math works like chicken math. In which case it may never end.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Are you planning on simply swapping the locations of the flat and on edge as part of your experiment.

Are you considering totally removing the one where they are now sleeping so they have to choose another location?

Since you are doing the work I can come up with all kinds of variations.

 

[True Patriot]

I believe in K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) no harm ment here. But a bird will roost on any surface it can fit it's fat keester. I got old metal "L" shelf brackets up in one of my runs, they perch on them. Also got old branches tied together anchored in the the run corner, some branches as small as a 1/2 in diameter, they perch on them. Other runs I got a 4 foor long 2x2 rounded edges they don't perch on because it moves, it is literally a swing suspended on chain and eye bolts like you see advertised here. The birds don't like it. I also have Natural mountain juniper trunks from 4" down to 2 inch in diameter in coops and runs, they perch on them as well. Don't matter the surface, they will perch on it, roost one it if they feel safe.

No offense taken, I also believe in KISS. This is just a fun experiment. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel or make some incredible discovery in chicken psychology. They will roost on just about anything. I have one that actually seems to enjoy the thin wire top of a welded wire fence. I also have several that like that swing in the run. My goal is to see if there's anything they seem to prefer. What mine like may be completely different from others.

 

[yoopersjd]

I believe in K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) no harm ment here. But a bird will roost on any surface it can fit it's fat keester. I got old metal "L" shelf brackets up in one of my runs, they perch on them. Also got old branches tied together anchored in the the run corner, some branches as small as a 1/2 in diameter, they perch on them. Other runs I got a 4 foor long 2x2 rounded edges they don't perch on because it moves, it is literally a swing suspended on chain and eye bolts like you see advertised here. The birds don't like it. I also have Natural mountain juniper trunks from 4" down to 2 inch in diameter in coops and runs, they perch on them as well. Don't matter the surface, they will perch on it, roost one it if they feel safe.

 

[True Patriot]

First test begins today, 2x4 flat. Results will be posted 8/26/2018

 

[True Patriot]

What about a round perch?

I'm planning on doing a wood closet rod and the branches for round. Is there another that you'd like to see?

 

[aart]

Would the extra height that the narrow side impact the results on this first week?

It might be....I think location will play a bigger part.

@True Patriot do the birds usually sleep on the 'new' side or the 'control' side?

 

[True Patriot]

So far after two days of change, they are still favoring the left side with the 2x4 flat. It doesn't appear that the small height difference is affecting them. It also appears that the similarities between the two orientations are enough that there's no noticable variation in behavior.

 

[Shadrach]

I'm planning on doing a wood closet rod and the branches for round. Is there another that you'd like to see?

There is yes.
A natural branch from a a tree might be interesting.