Brahma perch/nest box

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Does anyone know how high I should position a perch for a brahma chicken? I also have an opington and a couple of hybrids which wouldn't have any trouble getting up there - just the brahma!
Also we have built a new nest box ready for when they start laying because neither the brahma or orpington would have got in the old one. The opening for the new one is 15" wide x 20" high. But now it's built it looks very light inside, can anyone see a problem with this?
I have searched the internet but with no success!
Thanks,
Elaine.

 

[Tim]

Hi Elaine.

Firstly, the perch... many breeders keep perches a few inches off the ground for heavy birds like Orps - so they don't hurt their legs when jumping down. Some breeds like to perch as high as they can and will favour a high perch over a low one but often Orps will huddle on the floor.

I would try something quite low to start with and see how they get on.

As for the nest box - if they use it... it's ok - If they lay on the floor, try adding a dummy egg to encourage them and then try an old piece of sacking hanging half way down to make it darker. They do like somewhere dark and private to lay if they can get it.

Tim

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for that, I will give the hessian a go immediately.
At the moment they are all sleeping in one of the nest box compartmants as they were used to sleeping in their wooden coop huggled in a corner. But we have taken them out of that to give them more room and they are now in a sheltered converted greenhouse, which includes the large internal nest box and perch which is at present 12" high (which is higher than the nest box). I have put them on the perch a couple of times on an evening but they jump down and toddle off back into the nest box.
Although on the first evening the orpington wasn't sure where to sleep and tryed to roost on my head - but then she does have a tendancy to jump onto my back when I'm putting the food down, so she obviously though that was ok!!!
Fun and games eh, Ill keep persevering.

Elaine.

 

[Tim]

Hi Elaine,

I would keep moving them from the nest box, or even better late afternoon, shut it off so they get used to going to bed elsewhere. Having them sleep in the nest box isn't great since they will mess in their when you want a clean place for them to lay eggs...

Good Luck,

Tim