Roost for chickens: how to do it yourself, sizes, options
The roost for keeping chickens provides convenience, allows the birds to rest and gain strength for the new day. Several options have been developed for the chicken saddle. Depending on the number of individuals, the area of \u200b\u200bthe chicken coop, the breeder chooses a specific design. Each of them has its pros and cons.
Why laying hens need a perch and a nest
Roost and nests are created in artificial chicken coops, so that the birds had a place to rest and incubate eggs. This is how the old relatives of chickens equipped their places to rest.
Placing chickens on the floor promotes the development of infectious and fungal diseases. Viruses and fungi thrive in dirty flooring.
For the design of the saddle, it is necessary to correctly calculate the distance between the tiers, where the required number of nests are placed.
During the cold season, birds cling to each other, thereby providing additional heat to each other. And in the summer, on the contrary, the chickens move away from each other so that it is cooler.
This is also taken into account when placing in perches at different times of the year.
Perch options
There are several design options. Each breeder chooses a perch suitable for his coop, taking into account the size of the coop, the breed of birds, and the characteristics of the content.
One tier
The simplest design. It can be completed in 1-1.5 hours. Suitable for small indoor chickens. The bar is fixed along the wall on wooden fasteners that are attached to the wall. No waste tray required.
Tiered
Arrange poles in the form of a ladder. This is done so that the chickens do not stain each other, leaving droppings. Also, this placement has one plus. In such a chicken coop, a clear hierarchy is formed. Strong, he althy individuals are located on the upper tiers, and sick and weak ones on the lower ones.
Angular
Both single-tiered and multi-tiered perches are suitable for the corner option. Attach poles between touching corners. You can equip all four corners in the room. There is a minus, a multi-tiered option, will contribute to the pollution of the chicken coop. Therefore, one pole is installed permanently, and the rest are made removable.
Portable
Outwardly it is a table. A litter removal tray is installed on the countertop. Poles are attached to the table. The size of the table must fit the doorway so that it can be moved. Wheels are screwed onto the legs of the table, this makes it easier to move the perch.
Important! In the manufacture of a portable perch, the pallet is supplied with sides, and the surface is polished with a grinder.
Over the nests
Install the structure against the wall opposite the door. Prepare several boxes of plywood for nests. Above them, a bar is fixed 30 cm higher. This helps save space. A tin tray is installed on the roof to collect litter and keep the chicken coop clean.
How to make a perch with your own hands
Making a perch with your own hands is not difficult. It does not take much time and does not require the development of special skills. Every breeder should know how to make a DIY chicken saddle.
Tools and materials needed
To make you need:
- wooden bars;
- sandpaper;
- wood saw;
- hammer;
- nails;
- planer.
Drawing
After preparing the material, they begin to create a drawing. Prepare it following the instructions:
- Measure the size and area of the chicken coop. Take into account the location of the doors, windows of the feeders.
- Choose a suitable place to create a perch.
- Beams for crossbeams are processed and made smooth.
- Cut out the bars of the required size.
- Mounting for bars is installed on the walls.
- The poles are attached to the supports.
- Make litter trays.
- A ladder is being installed next to the poles to make it easier for the chickens to climb and descend.
Placement
Place for perch choose the most distant from doors and windows. It should be well shaded, be in constant heat. In the cold season, chickens should not freeze. When installing, the number of individuals is taken into account, in winter they sit tightly side by side, in summer, on the contrary, they move away from each other.
Important! In small rooms, multi-tiered structures are most often used.
Production and installation of a perch
Production of a perch is carried out according to the scheme. The necessary material is prepared in advance. For each chicken coop, they prepare their own individual project plan. Production takes place in several stages:
- Prepared bars are ground with a grinder so that there are no sticking sawdust.
- Then check them for bending.
- The pole mount is screwed into the wall.
- Installing the slats and attaching them so they don't scroll.
- Then a wooden ladder is installed in the corner to make it easier for koops to move around.
Installation takes place using attachments to the wall. Then the support beams are installed. When installing, nails and self-tapping screws of different sizes are used. Wood material is chosen with a high density so that it does not bend when roosting chickens.
Removable litter trays
Places for resting birds are equipped with removable pallets. This helps to remove the litter in time and maintain hygiene in the chicken coop. Mostly moisture-resistant material is used, galvanized sheet is suitable for perches.
Optimal pallet size:
- width 50 - 60 cm;
- length for the first floor - 60 - 70 cm;
- tiered perch - 60 - 120 cm.
After installation, sawdust is poured onto the pallet, they absorb chicken droppings and eliminate the unpleasant odor. A rim up to 8 cm high is formed on the structure so that the contents do not spread. The back wall of the pallet is set at an angle to make it easier to remove waste. When stacked, the pallet is tightly attached to each tier.
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