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There's a backup in the chicken coop - HELP!

post #1 of 5
4/18/12 at 10:52am
Thread Starter 

My coop is more than adequate for my 4 egg laying hens, but the problem is, where 1 lays an egg, they ALL must lay an egg.

 

My Cochin is very bossy and pushes others out of the spot-of-the-day.  The problem is, my Marans alpha hen won't move for her so my Cochin has started to peck at the Marans' comb to get her to move.

 

I've noticed bloody patches on my Marans' comb before, but I thought she'd just gotten caught on something.  This weekend, I found 2 very bloody chickens in my coop, and I realized it was my Cochin doing the damage.  I'm sure it's very bad for my poor Marans hen, and I don't want my Cochin, who is already broody, to terrorize the other hens.

 

I have no idea what to do.  Any suggestions? 

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post #2 of 5
4/18/12 at 11:04am

Pinless peepers....around $6 for 10, I do believe someone stated.  Says they really work. 

If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?  Please think about it. 

Info we all need to know:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDDGl79x4Pc&feature=my_favorites&list=FLIvzTTPS3Bg-qsbs8VPh__Q


 

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If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?  Please think about it. 

Info we all need to know:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDDGl79x4Pc&feature=my_favorites&list=FLIvzTTPS3Bg-qsbs8VPh__Q


 

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post #3 of 5
4/18/12 at 11:19am

Chickens like to lay their eggs where another chicken has already laid. If you place fake eggs, like plastic Easter eggs and such, then they will start laying in the other boxes. I put 1 plastic EE in each box and now they lay in all of them and there's no waiting in line anymore.

 

I do have a hen that will only lay in the same box no matter what's in the other boxes.

Happily Married for 32 years. 3 FBCM (Alberto, Bridgette & Maybelline), BLRW (Lacey), LA (Amanda), Orpington/Delaware (Bella), CM (Monique). RIP Wynonna - 3/23/11-3/25/12, Little Guy (LG) - 4/28/-5/6/12, Harmony - 3/17-9/7/12, Leroy - 3/7/12-4/14/13

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Happily Married for 32 years. 3 FBCM (Alberto, Bridgette & Maybelline), BLRW (Lacey), LA (Amanda), Orpington/Delaware (Bella), CM (Monique). RIP Wynonna - 3/23/11-3/25/12, Little Guy (LG) - 4/28/-5/6/12, Harmony - 3/17-9/7/12, Leroy - 3/7/12-4/14/13

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post #4 of 5
4/18/12 at 11:36am

sherylreno is correct!

 

We have 6 hens laying and they ALL want that ONE box.......   he.gif

 

That was until Mrs. put fake eggs in the other nesting boxes...... Now we only get the occasional traffic jam.   wee.gif

/*D & B W.
1 adult son / 6 NH_Red hens / 2 BCM hens / 3 Old dogs......

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/*D & B W.
1 adult son / 6 NH_Red hens / 2 BCM hens / 3 Old dogs......

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post #5 of 5
4/19/12 at 8:31am
Thread Starter 

Great suggestions everyone, thanks!  I love the pinless peepers with the google eyes :) but I think I'll try out fake eggs for now.  Cheers everyone!

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BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying › There's a backup in the chicken coop - HELP!