The perch experiment

[True Patriot]

I would expect that their usual roosting position will be the most important factor rather than the perch itself.

My expectations are the same. The only times I anticipate change from their normal location is with either preferred or avoided material. The instinct to stay together and the habits already formed are too strong . Material that is similar to what they consider "normal" won't provide enough difference to them to be noticed. But in the interest of being thorough, I'm going to maintain the scheduled time.

 

[aart]

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

That's an interesting idea!

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

 

[Ridgerunner]

As time progresses we will hear the rest of the story. It is still early days. How many more weeks do you plan to go before you get all your variations?

 

[True Patriot]

Results of week 2 are posted in the article. Summary, preference was again to the left side (control)

 

[True Patriot]

This week's results are updated in the article. Another interesting week. The next test is also updated.

 

[True Patriot]

This week is the branch so Sunday the new results will be in. I'm intentionally leaving the bark on, I have a suspicion the smooth texture in the previous test may have influenced the results.

 

[aart]

I have a suspicion the smooth texture in the previous test may have influenced the results.

So next test could be with bark peeled off?

 

[True Patriot]

So next test could be with bark peeled off?

It has been a consideration. It will depend on wether I find my draw knife or not

 

[True Patriot]

I'll see when the trees here are willing to give up. There's a maple I've been meaning to trim, sounds like a good excuse. I'm going to try getting as many requests in as possible before the weather turns. There may need to be a part 2 in the spring.

 

[True Patriot]

This week's update to the article is posted. Results are surprisingly even. There was no definitive bias towards either side.