2002 Youngsters in the making.

Acrylic Perches

The idea behind these perches is to prevent feather plucking and fights. These perches are made from Acrylic dividers and Acrylic dowels.  The birds perched on top may soil the bottom resting birds but if the birds are healthy this is no problem. Birds produce a powdery substance called bloom. While preening, they pick at an oil gland located on the base of the tail. They pinch this gland and an oily droplet squirts out then rub this oil onto the feathers to waterproof them. If droppings stick onto the birds feathers it could mean the bird is unhealthy or that the "oil" gland is clogged.  If the oil gland is clogged, gently spread apart the tail feathers and locate it. Squeeze it gently with tweezers until oil secretes.  

The aviary where I keep my youngsters is 6' wide by 10' deep by 7' tall. I keep them there until they can be sexually distinguished. The hens are then placed in an aviary identical to this one. These aviaries are equipped with skylights, made from non-leaded glass to allow the UV rays to pass onto the birds.

The birds, particularly the hens, benefit from sunlight. While breeding, the hens lose a lot of calcium due to egg laying. If you cannot provide sunlight to the birds, make sure they receive Vitamin D to ensure absorption of calcium. Calcium cannot be readily absorbed without Vitamin D.

I placed three hens in this aviary to see how they reacted to this kind of perch. Although it was the first time they had seen it, they took to the perches immediately. I'll have to wait and see if the fighting stops, or at least slows down some.

These three hens took up to the new perch system with no problem.

If you listen closely, you can hear the WUUUUT's coming out of the third from the right.

My best Breeder Male 96 NBB 934-030 Bred by Tom Trujillo

My best breeder Hen 98 AWS V4-13 Bred by Dick Callahan

The following Pictures were taken October 2002