Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495502
03/19/19 02:36 PM
03/19/19 02:36 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,441 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
"American Honey"
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"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,441
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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Try a cardboard box with nesting material in it, with a fake egg or two, on the floor in the area where they like to lay their eggs now. Just leave it there.
If they see in there and try the box, they may like it, and you can gradually raise it higher till they go in at the normal height as the rest.
I know many like curtains over the entrance too, Patrice I believe has run that experiment , and her girls use the box with the curtains best, for privacy.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495541
03/19/19 03:54 PM
03/19/19 03:54 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 34,764
Central, SD
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They are a big bird if they are the white ones, are the boxes big enough for that size of a bird.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: Law Dog]
#6495574
03/19/19 04:41 PM
03/19/19 04:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,664 Minnesota
330-Trapper
OP
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OP
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They are a big bird if they are the white ones, are the boxes big enough for that size of a bird. They are the barred/ plymouth rocks Less than half the size of the totes The coop is more of a pig-sty but here are 3 of the 4 egg box totes. . Like I said I took the fourth one and lowered it down to the floor near where they nest in a corner and they still don't use it I guess I will try the curtains they kick out all of the bedding every time I put it in there in the afternoon. I have had several other breeds for 2 years at a time and all those other breeds use the nest boxes no problem I might turn these into chicken soup and get some more this year.
Last edited by 330-Trapper; 03/19/19 04:42 PM.
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495601
03/19/19 05:23 PM
03/19/19 05:23 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 34,764
Central, SD
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: Law Dog]
#6495605
03/19/19 05:36 PM
03/19/19 05:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,171 ny
upstateNY
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 16,171
ny
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL No hay in the totes puts the chickens in a fowl mood.
the wheels of the gods turn very slowly
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495610
03/19/19 05:43 PM
03/19/19 05:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 34,764
Central, SD
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Mine have holes in the sides for light so maybe they need a little light!
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495643
03/19/19 06:43 PM
03/19/19 06:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570 Dunbar, Wisconsin
Pike River
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570
Dunbar, Wisconsin
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I had one like that once. Would never lay in the box. Would let them out in the morning and she would go lay in the bushes. During the winter when they'd be cooped up she'd lay on the floor. After she turned into stew we were still finding old smelly eggs around the yard.
Some girls are just stubborn .....
Last edited by Pike River; 03/19/19 06:44 PM.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495648
03/19/19 06:51 PM
03/19/19 06:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570 Dunbar, Wisconsin
Pike River
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570
Dunbar, Wisconsin
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They are a big bird if they are the white ones, are the boxes big enough for that size of a bird. They are the barred/ plymouth rocks Less than half the size of the totes The coop is more of a pig-sty but here are 3 of the 4 egg box totes. . Like I said I took the fourth one and lowered it down to the floor near where they nest in a corner and they still don't use it I guess I will try the curtains they kick out all of the bedding every time I put it in there in the afternoon. I have had several other breeds for 2 years at a time and all those other breeds use the nest boxes no problem I might turn these into chicken soup and get some more this year. My boxes were much cozier and had a 1x4 across the bottom and a lip over the top. They need to feel secure.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495663
03/19/19 07:07 PM
03/19/19 07:07 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 15,540 Champaign County, Ohio.
KeithC
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 15,540
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There are a lot of good responses.
Pullets, hens that have just started laying, frequently lay on the floor. Once their eggs are full sized, hens almost always use nest boxes. If your hens just started laying, they might start laying in the boxes, on their own, once the eggs are a more viable size.
Keith
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495833
03/19/19 10:12 PM
03/19/19 10:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,751 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,751
williamsburg ks
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my daughter raises chickens and sells eggs. other birds too. not sure just what all they have. im happy there are cowboys and chicken people in the world. I like to eat the fruit of their labor
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: KeithC]
#6495838
03/19/19 10:14 PM
03/19/19 10:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,664 Minnesota
330-Trapper
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,664
Minnesota
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There are a lot of good responses.
Pullets, hens that have just started laying, frequently lay on the floor. Once their eggs are full sized, hens almost always use nest boxes. If your hens just started laying, they might start laying in the boxes, on their own, once the eggs are a more viable size.
Keith Theyve been laying since october... and heres the deal. Ive had 5 other batches for 2 years each batch. Silver laced wyandotte s were the first. 4 other breeds, in 12 years these are the Only ones that havent used those same nestboxs. So Ill try curtains , after that Im getting some more birds...this group is ticking me off.
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495857
03/19/19 10:34 PM
03/19/19 10:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23,494 New Hampshire
Nessmuck
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 23,494
New Hampshire
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My nests / boxes were 15x15 like a desk drawer.....nothing ovah the top....and most of the time ,they all laid their eggs all in the same nest. I had 4 nests for 12 Barred Rocks
It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495858
03/19/19 10:35 PM
03/19/19 10:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132 SWMo.
tjm
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132
SWMo.
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I've had 6 breeds of Laying hens in this coop over a 12 year ...All of the different flocks have all used the nest boxs. That surprises me after seeing the picture of those plastic bins. The slick plastic would hard to get footing on and impossible to keep straw in. And the bins look huge, although that might be lack of scale. My boxes were much cozier Maybe try a smaller nest box, sounds funny but those barred like tighter quarters Typically for Barred Rock, Reds, Orpingtons, gamehens, etc I build boxes 12"WX12"HX12-16"deep, with 2"-3" strip across the bottom to keep grass clippings from falling out. When they are free all day ~20% will hide their eggs, but if left closed up til 11AM most will lay in the boxes, always one that will hold out waiting to go to her hide. If too many hide out I'll keep them all up for 3-5 days and that usually cures the hideouts for a while. Never had hens do what you describe. >looking back at that picture; I would first put a 1X6 across the bottom and layer in some straw and then reduce the opening ~8" highX8-10" wide with curtains or what ever.
Last edited by tjm; 03/19/19 10:41 PM.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: Zim]
#6495956
03/20/19 06:46 AM
03/20/19 06:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,932 SEPA
Lugnut
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,932
SEPA
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Chickens are interesting for sure. Tell me why when there are 4 identical nest boxes that all 6 (insert # here) birds will lay in the same box.
Zim I only have three nesting boxes but I have the same problem, all the chickens like to use the box on the right. All the boxes are identical. I’ve seen two chickens in that box at the same time with a third try to squeeze its way in.
Eh...wot?
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6495959
03/20/19 06:53 AM
03/20/19 06:53 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,932 SEPA
Lugnut
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 19,932
SEPA
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL They've had straw and wood shavings dozens of times...they kick it out onto the coop floor in a couple hours You need to put a four or six inch board up in front of those totes to keep them from kicking the nesting material out. They’re probably trying to scratch out a depression to lay the eggs in. That’s what my chickens do. If they can’t get it hollowed out just right they won’t use it. In your case, while they’re trying to make a nest, all the material is getting kicked out the open front. So they say the heck with it and lay on the floor where there is nesting material. That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it!
Eh...wot?
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496031
03/20/19 09:25 AM
03/20/19 09:25 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978 potter co. p.a.
pcr2
"Twerker"
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"Twerker"
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978
potter co. p.a.
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had a hen yesterday that wanted to fight me for the eggs.told her she had to wait another month but don't think she agreed.luckily i'm bigger than her.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: Law Dog]
#6496047
03/20/19 09:40 AM
03/20/19 09:40 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 604 New York
ponyboy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 604
New York
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL x2
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: ponyboy]
#6496052
03/20/19 09:45 AM
03/20/19 09:45 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,664 Minnesota
330-Trapper
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
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Posts: 62,664
Minnesota
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Put some hay in them totes don't be so tight! LOL x2 Already answered that!!! X3
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496057
03/20/19 09:46 AM
03/20/19 09:46 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 217 Central Maryland
E.Shell
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 217
Central Maryland
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I see some very good suggestions above, and to me the boxes are too slick, too wide-open and possibly on the big side too, although I acknowledge that you have had hens use them in the past.
Usually hens like it private for laying, hence the "hidden eggs" mentioned above. I would stand a 1x4 or 1 x 6 up on edge across the front of the row of boxes to make a ledge/dam to help retain bedding and provide them a step up/step down into the nest. I would also drape something flexible across the top of the row of boxes to let them duck under to get in, or provide split 'curtains' as suggested above, to make it darker in the nest box. Once the hen has good footing and a private, secure/perceived safe place to lay, she should be good to go. If not, there's always the stew pot.
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496069
03/20/19 09:58 AM
03/20/19 09:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
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Buy your eggs from the store problem solved. LOL
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496176
03/20/19 12:37 PM
03/20/19 12:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,932 SEPA
Lugnut
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 19,932
SEPA
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Looks a lot more inviting that way, if I was a hen I’d lay my eggs in there!
Eh...wot?
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496184
03/20/19 12:45 PM
03/20/19 12:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764
Central, SD
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Try putting them in their at night when they are in zombie mode maybe?
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496244
03/20/19 01:32 PM
03/20/19 01:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,764
Central, SD
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That sign must of worked now mark them large, X large and jumbo! LOL Small egg layers just go sit by the chopping block.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496350
03/20/19 03:58 PM
03/20/19 03:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,441 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
"American Honey"
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"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,441
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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There ya go, Scott !! All they needed was a bit of snuggly privacy ! Its good you don't have perches too high, either. Landing on the floor, even when layered with soft material can damage chook's legs and feet ....good for you ! Happy girlies
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496367
03/20/19 04:22 PM
03/20/19 04:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,441 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
"American Honey"
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"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,441
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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Yes- love that one ! Happy chooks make their caretakers happy too .... Even the ones who from no fault of their own, lay smaller eggs......Jerry !!! Patrice and Zim were the ones who first tried curtains and mentioned how well they work. The curtains can be lifted up aside to clean out and put in fresh bedding easily enough.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496736
03/20/19 11:58 PM
03/20/19 11:58 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132 SWMo.
tjm
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,132
SWMo.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496927
03/21/19 09:38 AM
03/21/19 09:38 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978 potter co. p.a.
pcr2
"Twerker"
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"Twerker"
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978
potter co. p.a.
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chickens are great in my mind.2 roosters and 30 or so hens here.get a broody hen and sneak some eggs under her and get chicks,they eat all the scraps we get.chase me around like a dog and a whole bunch of stuff.wifey and i about fight over takin care of them.hoping to get a couple beefers on the "ranch" soon.
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6496947
03/21/19 09:55 AM
03/21/19 09:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 25,692 nm
adam m
trapper
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trapper
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Posts: 25,692
nm
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Re: Hens refuse to Use nest boxs
[Re: 330-Trapper]
#6497071
03/21/19 12:05 PM
03/21/19 12:05 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,794 Sauk County, WI
Patrice
"TMan Feed Gestapo "
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"TMan Feed Gestapo "
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,794
Sauk County, WI
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Patrice, a couple early layers chose the floor next to the feeder. Bad hens! I can't see from the photo - that isn't their only roost there, is it? If the girls are roosted at night right by the boxes and a low-in-the-pecking-order girl is ready to lay early in the morning, she may be shy about pushing her way past the lead hens. Since they lay on a cycle that is a bit longer than 24 hours, she will lay a little later every day. It would be interesting to see if those girls use the nest boxes after everyone else is walking around, out of the way. If there are other roosts, disregard this post! Back to the psychological drawing board!
WTA District 9 Director ... Go D9! Member: WTA, Intertel, Mensa (Trappers ain't stupid.) Life Member: NRA
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