Never use plastic or metal pipe which are too smooth for the birds to grasp. Placing perches at different heights allows the birds to choose where they want to roost. Place perches in pens so that birds can roost or sleep off the ground. Perches should be placed under shelters so birds are protected from adverse weather and from owls or climbing predators. Perches for long-tailed pheasants should be placed away from walls and wire so that the bird does not damage its tail when it turns around on the perch.
Natural branches are more appealing to the eye than a piece of lumber.
Perches located at several heights and decorative logs and rocks also allow the birds to excercise as they hop from perch to perch or from logs to the perch. When it's too cold to spend much time outside with your birds, there are some maintenance jobs that can be done if you have a protected place in which to work. Repair and clean nest boxes used for waterfowl by removing and destroying the down, It harbors insects and bacteria, and hens do not reuse it. They will pull new down when they get ready to set next time. Use treated plywood, tin or some other solid material for the first two feet on inner or outer side walls of pens.