Roosting Frames, 13 



than their claws can easily grasp, and neither too sharp 

 nor too round. 



When more than one row of perches is required they 

 should be ranged obliquely— that is, one above and behind 

 the other ; by which arrangement each perch forms a step 

 to the next higher one, and an equal convenience in de- 

 scending, and the birds do not void their dung over each 

 other. They should be placed two feet apart, and sup- 

 ported on bars of wood fixed to the walls at each end ; 

 and in order that they may be taken out to be cleaned, 

 they should not be nailed to the supporter, but securely 

 placed in niches cut in the bar, or by pieces of wood nailed 

 to it like the rowlocks of a boat. If the wall space at the 

 sides is required for laying-boxes, the perches must be 

 shorter than the house, and the oblique bars which support 

 them must be securely fastened to the back of the house, 

 and, if necessary, have an upright placed beneath the upper 

 end of each. 



Some breeders prefer a moveable frame for roosting, 

 formed of two poles of the required length, joined at each 

 end by two narrow pieces ; the frame being supported 

 upon four or more legs, according to its length and the 

 weight of the foAvls. If necessary it should be strengthened 

 by rails — connecting the bottoms of the legs, and by pieces 

 crossing from each angle of the sides and ends. These 

 frames can conveniently be moved out of the house when 

 they require cleansing. Or it may be made of one pole 

 supported at each end by two legs spread out widely apart, 

 like two sides of an equilateral or equal-sided triangle. The 

 perch may be made more secure for heavy fowls by a rail 

 at each side fastened to each leg, about three inches from 

 the foot. 



Mr. Baily says: '^I had some fowls in a large outhouse, 

 where they were well provided Avith perches ; as there was 

 plenty of room, I put some small faggots, cut for firing, at 

 one extremity, and I found many of the foAvls deserted 

 their perches to roost on the faggots, which they evidently 

 preferred." 



Cochin-Chinas and Brahma Pootras do not require 



