Perch replacement in Exeter
Professional perch replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
Worn or damaged perches replaced in hen houses. Securely mounted at the right height and diameter for comfortable overnight roosting.
Happy Hens Need Proper Perches
Chickens spend half their lives on the roost - if the perches are wrong, they're uncomfortable, stressed, and more prone to foot problems.
💡 Pro tip: If your hens are refusing to roost and sleeping on the floor instead, the perch is probably the wrong diameter or too rough. Fix it and they'll hop straight back up.
What Makes a Good Perch?
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| 40-50mm diameter (comfortable grip) | Too thin - feet wrap completely, causes cramp |
| Smooth finish, no splinters | Rough timber damages foot pads |
| Securely mounted with no wobble | Loose perches - birds won't settle |
| Correct height for your breed | Too high - heavy birds can't reach |
What You Get
🔧 Quick Job, Big Difference
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove | Old or damaged perches taken out cleanly |
| Fit | New perches mounted securely at the right height |
| Check | Level, stable, comfortable spacing |
📦 You're Left With
- Solid mounting that won't shift
- Smooth finish for healthy feet
- Happy birds back on the roost
Pricing Guide
| Setup | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard coop (2-3 perches) | Under 1 hr | £60 |
| Larger henhouse (4-5 perches) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Rural Property If...
✅ Splinter problems - rough perches damaging feet
✅ Birds refusing to roost - wrong size or height
✅ Broken perches - old timber finally given up
✅ New setup - fitting out a converted shed or garage
Why Choose Us for Perch replacement in Exeter?
Securely mounted at the right height
Correct diameter for comfortable grip
Smooth finish - no splinters
Quick turnaround - minimal disruption to your flock
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess Setup
I'll check what you've currently got, where the perches need to go, and what diameter suits your breed.
Step 2: Remove & Fit
Old perches come out cleanly. New ones go in at the right height and spacing - secure mounting that won't budge.
Step 3: Quick Check
Test for wobble, check they're level, make sure the spacing works for your flock size.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy doing it yourself? Here's how to get it right:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill and wood bits
- Spirit level
- Saw (if cutting timber to length)
- Screws and brackets or batons
- Sandpaper
📏 Getting the measurements right
- Diameter: 40-50mm (about broom handle thickness)
- Height: 60-90cm from floor for standard breeds
- Spacing: 30cm between perches, 30cm from wall
- Length: Allow 25-30cm per bird
🪚 Fitting securely
- Use sturdy brackets or batons screwed into the wall
- Make sure timber can't roll in the mounts
- Check for wobble - birds won't roost if it moves
- Sand smooth - splinters cause bumblefoot
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using branches from the garden (bring in mites and rot)
- Perches too thin - causes cramp
- Mounted too close together - fighting for space
- Not smoothing rough edges
💡 Pro trick: Fit removable perches if you can. Makes cleaning under them much easier and lets you swap out timber if it gets damaged.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐔 Multiple coops? Get them all sorted in one visit - you'll save on the callout and they'll all be done to the same standard.
Different breeds? Heavy breeds (like Orpingtons) need lower perches than flighty bantams. I can set up different levels if you've got a mixed flock.
Built a new coop? I can fit the perches as part of your setup - easier to do before you fill it with birds, feeders, and bedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the right size perch for chickens?
About 40-50mm diameter is ideal - thick enough they can't wrap their feet around it completely. That's the natural roosting position that keeps them comfortable overnight.
How high should perches be fitted?
Generally 60-90cm off the ground, with the highest perch at the back. If they're too high, heavy breeds struggle to get up. Too low and they'll try to roost on feeders instead.
Can you fit perches in my existing coop?
Yes - I work with whatever setup you've got, whether it's a shop-bought coop or a converted shed. Just needs to be structurally sound to take the mounting brackets.
Do I need to provide the perch timber?
I can bring suitable timber or work with what you've already got. Smooth hardwood dowel or planed softwood both work - I just avoid anything rough that'll splinter their feet.
How long does perch replacement take?
Usually under an hour for a standard coop. Remove old perches, fit new ones securely, check they're level and stable. Quick job that makes a big difference to your birds.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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