Constructing A Chicken Perch With A Dropboard: Easy Steps

Chickens have a natural need to perch, an instinct that stems from their desire to protect themselves from predators. As such, a chicken perch is essential for those looking to build a chicken coop. The first step is to determine the height of the lowest rung of the ladder-style perch, which should be at least 12 off the ground, with the horizontal spacing between each roosting bar being 12-18 apart. The perch can be made from leftover materials, such as wooden ladders or tree branches, and secured to the sides of the coop. Additionally, a dropping board can be installed underneath the roosting bars to catch chicken droppings, reducing the need for regular cleaning.

Chicken perch height and horizontal spacing

Chicken perches are necessary for your chickens to rest and sleep. The ideal height for a chicken perch is between 12 and 24 inches off the ground, but it can be as low as 12 inches or as high as a foot from the ceiling. If you want to make the perch higher than two feet, it's recommended to stagger several perches like stairs at varying heights to make it easier and safer for the chickens to move up and down. The height of the perch should also consider the weight of the birds, as heavier birds may struggle to reach very high perches.

The horizontal spacing between each roosting bar should be 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing ensures that the chickens have enough room and are not within range of defecating on each other. It is also recommended to keep the roost away from the walls, food, water, and laying boxes.

The ideal diameter for the average-sized laying chicken to perch comfortably is 30 to 40mm. The perch should be square with rounded corners, allowing the chicken's toes to wrap around and grip effectively.

Materials to use for the perch

Chickens need a place to perch or roost, and the ideal material for making perches is wood. Metal gets too cold, increasing the risk of frostbite and other foot ailments. Plastic is often slippery, making it difficult for chickens to manoeuvre. Wood is durable, and you can make it to your own specifications. If you buy wood, it should be untreated and smooth, without splinters or sharp points, and strong enough to support several chickens.

If you want to be more naturalistic, you can use tree branches, but they should have a flat surface of about 4 inches. For a chicken perch made from tree branches, cut a two-by-two to the desired length. Use a router to put a chamfered edge on the upper side of the two-by-two. This eases the edge of the dimensional lumber and gives the birds something to hold on to.

Old wooden ladders are another option for making perches. They are easy to cut to length and can be secured to the sides of the coop using joist hangers from the hardware store.

If you have five roughly 8-foot spare 2x4s, you can make a simple ladder roost. Cut the 2x4s to 5 feet long. You will also need two 18-inch pieces and two 12-inch pieces. The 18-inch pieces are the legs of your roost, and the 12-inch pieces are the standoffs at the top of the roost that lean against the wall of the coop.

How to assemble the perch

To assemble a single chicken perch with a dropboard, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, determine the height of the lowest rung of the perch. The lowest roosting bar should be at least 12 inches off the ground, but 18-24 inches is recommended. The horizontal spacing between each roosting bar should be 12-18 inches apart. The top of the roost should have at least 12 inches of space between the highest perch bar and the ceiling of the coop. This will allow your chickens to comfortably access and use the top rung.

Next, select the materials for your perch. Sturdy branches are functional and appealing to chickens, adding a rustic style to the coop. Alternatively, you can use rubberized poles or lumber, such as two-by-fours, which chickens may prefer for better grip and balance. The roosting bar should be around 2 to 2.5 inches wide for optimal grip and comfort. Avoid using metal or plastic, as these can be slippery and cause health issues for your chickens.

Now, it's time to assemble the perch. If you're using branches, cut them to the desired length and use a router to put a chamfered edge on the upper side, giving the birds something to hold onto. Screw the support bases to the wall of your chicken coop, ensuring they are sturdy and secure. If you're using an old wooden ladder, cut it to length and secure it to the sides of the coop using joist hangers.

Finally, install a dropping board underneath the roosting bars to catch chicken droppings. You can use plywood as the bottom and scrap pieces of wood around the edges to form a 'tray'. This will make cleaning much easier and help maintain the health and hygiene of your chickens.

Dropping board design and placement

The dropping board is an essential part of chicken coop maintenance, helping to keep the coop clean and healthy for your chickens. The design and placement of the dropping board are important considerations when building a single chicken perch.

Firstly, decide on the material for your dropping board. Some people use old countertops, wooden boards, or plastic. If using wood, ensure it is smooth and splinter-free to prevent chicken injuries and infections. You can also cover the dropping board with materials like sand, sweet PDZ (a horse stall freshener), or pine shavings to absorb odours and make cleaning easier.

Next, consider the placement of the dropping board in relation to the chicken perch. The board should be installed directly underneath the perch to catch chicken droppings. The recommended height for the perch is 2 feet (24 inches) from the ground. When positioning the dropping board, ensure there is enough clearance between the board and the wall of the coop. You can use brackets to secure the board and create the necessary space.

The size of the dropping board will depend on the space available in your coop and the number of chickens using it. A larger board will provide more room for chickens to perch and will require less frequent cleaning. A recommended size is 10 feet wide and 6 feet deep, with a collection lip at the bottom to catch the droppings.

When designing the dropping board, consider angling it slightly so that the droppings roll down to the bottom for easier collection. You can place a collection bucket at the end of the board to gather the droppings. Ensure the dropping board is easily accessible for regular cleaning and maintenance.

By following these design and placement considerations, you can create an effective dropping board for your single chicken perch, making coop maintenance more manageable and promoting the health and comfort of your chickens.

Maintenance and cleaning of the dropping board

Chicken dropping boards are an effective solution for managing waste in your coop. They are placed under the roosting bars to catch droppings and prevent them from soiling the coop floor. This makes cleaning quicker and more efficient, as you simply scrape off the droppings from the boards.

To maintain hygiene and cleanliness, the dropping boards should be cleaned out daily. Chicken droppings are high in ammonia, which can cause respiratory issues for your flock if inhaled in a small space. The moisture in the droppings can also leave your chickens susceptible to frostbite in the winter. Therefore, regular cleaning and effective waste management are vital components of coop maintenance to ensure a healthy living environment for your chickens.

Chicken dropping boards can be made from durable materials like plastic or wood and can be lined with absorbent materials such as straw, wood shavings, or sawdust to enhance their effectiveness. These materials absorb moisture from the droppings, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and controlling odours. They also make cleaning easier as they can be removed and replaced.

Some people use a product called Sweet PDZ, a "stall freshener" for horses, which absorbs and neutralises ammonia and other odours. It is all-natural and safe for chickens. You can buy Sweet PDZ at your local feed store or online. Alternatively, you can use sand, pine shavings, or a plastic tarp under the roosts to make a "poop hammock".

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