Perch question

[jhorath]

I am sure that I could wait and ask my sponsor after I acquire one but then I wouldn't get to share my ideas with you. ;D Anyways, has anyone thought of using an old telephone pole for a perch? I can take them from work, I like the old style that you may see running along the railroads for open wire telephone circuits they are short maybe 14 ft. and they have two 6 ft. cross braces that would offer several different perches in one big area. Obviously if your mews is only 8 ft tall you would not want this or you would need to cut it down but it's just a thought.

[morganf]

i'd be worried about the tar and stuff (they are coated in tar right?)

Other than that, i don't really see a problem.

[kenbro77]

Just my opinion, but if you were to use it I would cover all landing surfaces in turf or rope with padding underneath. Hawks will fly from perch to perch in there mews more than in the wild. At least mine does. I have a pole perch in mine (no cross bar). And she hardly ever uses it. Mostly she uses the window perches in the day and the shelf perch in the back at night.

[Weasel]

Usually the poles are coated in a substance called creosote. It is not really good for birds feet and it will stain them. I have trapped many RT's that have black feet. This is creosote. If the pole was covered with something as Jelly stated, it would do fine, but I would be curious as to the method of tying the bird off as tangleing could present a problem.

[Weasel]

To add to my post, Perches of all kinds can be used for many reasons. Some perches are great for temp perches while the bird is hooded, but I would not personally use a perch as the one described above while the bird is unhooded or unattended. Just my 2 cents

[jhorath]

Yea, these poles are just an idea because I work for a telephone company and I see maybe 50 to a hundred hawks a day.( usually the same ones at the same places) All of these prefer to perch all day long on these open wire telephone poles. I haven't noticed any black feet but i am sure it could pose a problem. Also, on the tangling issue I was thinking of free lofting since I am planning a taller vs. wider weathering area. something like 14x14 with 24' tall. Thanks for the replies..

[Jelly]

Quite honestly if you work for the company, get the poles and sell them to horse owners. We like them for our arenas. Also they are great for fences and barns.

If you wanted to use a bit for a block perch you could probably easily do that. I can imagine it working quite nicely since it is already prepared for weather.