‘Hen-pecked to perch? Us?’
It took them a couple of days, but those feathered ladies now know what to make of it. We’ve wanted to put a new perch or set of perches into the enlarged compound for a while now; it’s just a case of sourcing the right materials.
Logs or thin tree trunks would be fine, although shiny broom handles might be a little too small in diameter. In all cases, it’s the job of attaching them to the compound frame or wire sides that could prove to be a logistical downfall.
So, at the weekend we changed around the current log configuration, and at once doubled the area on which our three birds can rest their legs and feet. The longer branch that was previously almost on the floor is now at least 30 cms off the ground, making for truly higher vistas.
Margot, stunt chicken, strikes a pose
Reluctant at first, they now quite like it, and strut up and down as if they’ve had their new climbing frame since day one. It’s not only the new perches that are giving them more stimulation either, as we’ve started to scatter premium bird seed in the bark chippings so that they can scratch and peck their days away.
In other chicken-related news, we’re still thinking of getting Barbara, Gerry, and Margot some new playmates, and they may be of the ex-battery variety. Arriving featherless and with one beak puts us off slightly, but we’re told they soon adapt and grow back their feathers. Quite the opposite of Margot then, who, through moulting, is still intent on losing a few of hers.
Tags: Chicken-keeping, Home