19 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE HOUSING SYSTEMS BIOSECURITY HOUSING & BROODING EARLY MANAGEMENT LIGHTING NUTRITION HEALTH HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT Perching is an instinctive behaviour for birds, primarily serving as a method of predator avoidance during rest, a way to establish social hierarchy, and as part of their normal roosting habits. In their natural environment, birds, including chickens, perch at night to escape ground-dwelling predators. Additionally, perching provides hens with a sense of security and comfort, allowing them to perform natural behaviours that contribute to their physiological and psychological health. Perching should be provided from the rearing period through to production. Certain skills must be developed to use perching efficiently, so access at an early age is essential. Allowing young chicks to learn these skills by four weeks of age will benefit them throughout their lives. Failing to do so can have long-term adverse effects on behaviours such as floor eggs and pecking later in life. PERCHING BENEFITS OF PERCHING Bone Health Perching helps enhance bone strength. Research has demonstrated that hens with regular access to perches have stronger, denser bones compared to those deprived of perching opportunities. This is particularly crucial in layers, where bone strength can be compromised due to continuous calcium depletion for eggshell production. Social Structure Perches help establish a social hierarchy within the flock. By allowing dominant hens to claim higher perches, it reduces aggressive interactions on the ground, as pecking order disputes decrease. This is particularly important in breeder flocks. Natural Behaviour Expression Allowing hens to perch satisfies their natural behavioural needs. This opportunity for expression minimises stress, leading to healthier birds and an overall increase in wellbeing.
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