Perching behaviour and preferences for different perch designs among laying hens (1998)

Lambe, N. R., Scott, G. B.

Abstract

Hens kept in pens were tested. No significant difference emerged when comparing time spent perching on single versus double wooden perches, soft versus hard perches, or round versus rectangular perches. .. Perching durations on wooden versus plastic versus metal perches, when no choice of perch type was offered , were not significantly different nor were durations on wooden versus aluminium perches. .. This implies that if a bird is motivated to perch it will do so, regardless of perch type.