I can’t move the coop nest boxes. They’re built in. The non-broody hens have other places to lay. I got a few dog crates and a small extra coop that are being used by typical hens. At first, I put three broody hens and eggs in those but they all abandoned that new nest setup and went back to the...
I have a Birder Collie. Yes, she thinks she a bird mom from the time they hatch. She stays by them and gently herds the littles back to the real bird mom when they get lost. She, Lady, stays out at night to protect her flock along with her brother, Mac, a Baller Collie. They’ve chased off a fox...
Half of my flock is dangerously broody!
I have 23 layers with 2 roos free ranging. About half of the girls sit in 5 nest boxes on top of each other, side-by-side, or wait just outside the box just in case the other decides to go drink or something. Some of these girls have bloody combs from...
I’m dealing with that issue now. I have 5 nesting boxes with 20 layers. And all five boxes are filled with ladies sitting on eggs. Other hens are now broodie and get in the box with the original broodies, double deck or side-by-side. Any hens that just want to lay their egg finds other good...
Here's my first question: my first time mama is stealing fertile eggs. So far, she's acquired 20, some are her own. She's been off only 3 times when I've been able to see what's going on under her. First, she had 3. Next, 9. Now 20! It's been almost 3 weeks since the first night on her nest...