FruitandNutCake Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hi, I'm preparing my shed for some ex batt chickens. I was wondering how much perch space would 3 chickens require? Do they snuggle up together on one perch, or do they like to spread out a bit? Would a parrot type of perch (that you can get to go in parrot cages) be OK? If home made, does anyone have any dimensions? Any advice appreciated thanks, Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 According to Keeping Poultry by Victoria Roberts they need 23cms per bird. I find mine all jumble up into a corner even though they have masses of room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 Thanks. i've read somewhere that the perch needs to be 2 inch square but rounded off. I'm guessing a completely round perch would be OK too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 The Omlet perches are only 1" square and they seem quite happy with that. If you decide on round ones, I would make sure that they're not too smooth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hi Michelle. I know you are making roosting bars for your shed, but even though this post below is about Eglu roosting bars it might be of some use. http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7877 I've also got a bit of old tree branch (broom handle thickness) poked through the run wire which mine sit on during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 Thanks for the info and link. ahhh.... so basically a mini-pallet inside a large litter tray will do the trick. Wouldn't take me long to make the mini-pallet. I'm just hoping they confine their poop to the litter tray (wishful thinking I know!!) but they will be sharing with two house rabbits who are litter box trained. Would the chickens be happy roosting just on the perch bars in the shed, or would they prefer them in a large box to make them more cosy? I have a couple of boxes to put straw in for them to lay in (I hope). I'm completely new to this, so haven't a clue!! Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoop Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 We made 2 roosting bars for our 3 chooks from 35mm dowl. Whenever we look in on them of an evening though, 1 is sat in the nesting box while the other 2 are sat on the floor. Oh well, they have the option anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...