Chicken Perch Ideas
Do you want to make sure your chickens have a safe place to roost at night? This list will help. From custom-made roosts to creative DIY projects, this article will provide plenty of chicken perch ideas to ensure your chickens are comfortable and secure.
A safe place to sleep is crucial for raising chickens that are relaxed and free of stress. Remember, happy chickens mean loads of fresh eggs!
When it comes to chickens, they are relatively easy to raise, with few requirements to keep them healthy and happy.
At the top of that list is a chicken coop with all the parts included that chickens need. Today we will talk about one of those parts to give you a better understanding of what it is, why your chickens require one, and how to DIY an option for your backyard chicken coop.
What is a Chicken Perch?
A perch, also known as a roost, is a designated area that is up off the ground meant for chickens to perch on to sleep at night. Chickens have poor night vision and, for that reason, are vulnerable to predators. A perch helps them to feel safe while sleeping.
What makes a good chicken perch?
A perch should be wide enough for the chicken’s feet to rest on and up off the coop floor. There should also be enough space for each chicken to have room to spread out if needed. A good rule of thumb is to have 8-10 inches of space for each chicken in your coop.
Where should a chicken perch go in a coop?
When looking for the best spot for your perch, keep in mind the weather in your area. Choose a spot that is free from drafts, rain, or snow.
SLCG Pro Tip: Chickens poop when they sleep, and this is something to keep in mind when choosing a location for your perch. Be sure there is room for you to get underneath with a shove to clean out any droppings from the night before. Doing this every morning will keep your chicken coop cleaner.
More Coop Cleaning Resources:
Repurposing Common Household Items as Roosts
If you are looking for a quick solution, you can use what you have around your home until you can make a more permanent setup for your hens.
A few perch ideas are:
- A step ladder
- A solid brand from a tree
- A chair or bench
- 2×4 raised up off the ground with cinderblocks
DIY Chicken Perch Ideas
Making a perch for your chicken coop is easy and free if you have scrap supplies. Keep in mind that the roost’s purpose is to give your chickens a secure area to sleep. This means you will want to build a stable and solid perch.
A Broom Handle Perch
I love that a perch can be created using just about anything and this option is a perfect example. If you have an old handle from a broom and shovel, you can repurpose it as a perch in your coop.
Branch Perch
A large branch is a great option for a perch. Be the branch is not dried out so it can support the weight of the hens with the risk of snapping.
A Pallet Perch
Repurposing an old pallet is a great way to create a safe and sturdy perch for your chickens. To make it, you will need 2 pallets, one for each side of the perch. Place wood boards or solid tree branches between each pallet to create a ladder-style perch.
For extra support, you can attach the pallets to the sides of the coop wall for more strength to hold all of your hens.
Board Perch
If you are short on space, this option is a great one to consider. This. We use the style in our coop and find it works great for our larger flock. A solid board is held up with L brackets and spans two sides of the coop. Since it is high off the ground, we also have a ramp for easier access for our hens.
Hanging Perch
A great way to create a perch in a coop that is short on space is by hanging it up in your coop. All you need is some sturdy rope and a plank of wood. I have never tried this type of perch myself, so I am not sure how stable it is. One thing to keep in mind, you will most likely need one hanging perch per hen, so this option may only work for very small flocks.
Ladder Perch
Another easy DIY project is constructing a ladder-style perch for your chickens. To do this, you’ll need some scrap wood, broom handles, or branches.
Combination of Perches
If you have a large flock, you may want to consider using a combination of roosts. You can use a ladder on one side and a high perch on the other, with a tree branch style outside in the run. This way, they can choose whichever style suits them best cutting down on fighting in the flock.
Additional Tips for Building a Chicken Perch
Here are a few additional tips to remember when building roosts for your chickens.
• Make sure the perch has enough space for the number of chickens in your coop. Aim for 8-12 inches for each hen in your flock.
• Ensure that the area around the perch is kept clean and free of dust and other debris.
• Place roosts away from drafts and windows to keep your chickens warm and cozy during the winter.
• Consider adding a ramp near the perch so your chickens can easily access it from the ground level.
By following these tips, you can create a comfortable and safe environment for your chickens. With the right combination of materials and creativity, you can give your chickens the best roosts they could ever ask for!
Creating the perfect roosts for your chickens doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these tips and ideas, you can create an amazing coop that your feathered friends will love.
With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect combination of perches and roosts for your backyard coop.
More Chicken Coop Resources:
