This morning, impressed by the first day of spring, I gave 7 eggs to my broody Australorp. She is very glad to have them and has settled into a glazed daze. Now I suddenly don't know what to do.
My regular nest boxes are plastic Sterilite containers that are 17 X11 inches. I cut out the end and left the lid on. They work as nest boxes pretty well.
Last fall I built a wire cage that is 19 X 36. I made the wire cage so that the Sterilite nest box would fit inside. My idea was that I could use the two together for a broody hen. Once I got the water and food in the cage with the nest box, it looks way to crowded. The water and the food take up all the extra floor space.
I only have just the chicken coop and no other outbuildings. Any ideas? Can I just lift the hen out of the cage once a day? Do I need to build a bigger cage? The first one was a major undertaking for me. What about when the chicks hatch?
Help!
My regular nest boxes are plastic Sterilite containers that are 17 X11 inches. I cut out the end and left the lid on. They work as nest boxes pretty well.
Last fall I built a wire cage that is 19 X 36. I made the wire cage so that the Sterilite nest box would fit inside. My idea was that I could use the two together for a broody hen. Once I got the water and food in the cage with the nest box, it looks way to crowded. The water and the food take up all the extra floor space.
I only have just the chicken coop and no other outbuildings. Any ideas? Can I just lift the hen out of the cage once a day? Do I need to build a bigger cage? The first one was a major undertaking for me. What about when the chicks hatch?
Help!
