The transition to open air rafter roosting is showing progress. All the little chicks took to it without a problem. So far the four BA crosses are doing well. Tonight all 4 went up on tgeir own, although only two have decided to roost in the rafters. The others are still on the ladder.
Next...
I have been having problems with the neighbors dogs. A few minutes ago the dogs start barking, and I heard snother bark behind me. Turned around, expecting to find one of the puppies... it was my rooster, barking back at the dogs.
Really, bird? I've hurried out there a number of times today...
Pullet. Lots of breeds have yellow skin. Definitely not a Barred Rock. A mix of some kind. Except for the yellow feet, I would have guessed she had Black Australorp in there somewhere. How big is she?
Two hens have moved into the rafters. Two are on the top of the ladder, including the one that still goes back to her old coop every night. I brought her over, put her down, and she immediately pushed past all the others, to much squawking.
Two from the big girls coop have joined them but...
If I had a wood ladder that would be better. Unfortunately all I have is sn old two piece ladder that's totally unsafe for humans. The birds can't really get a grip on it.
Last night she was another 2 rungs up. Keep climbing!
Once the other two settle on this as their roost spot, coop 2 will have 10 hens and 2 cockerels, which is what it was designed for.
Coop 2 only had 12 birds at bedtime, so I went hunting #13.
Found her up on the ladder, right where I put her last night. I brought out two more girls to keep her company.
Good girl!
Dog today, but ran off without attacking any birds. All my roosters were silent except the Dorking-Sussex cockerel in the bachelor pad.
Not within sight, the dog wasn't making any noise, I believe even the wind was against him, but that bird somehow realized the dog was there and alerted me...