Connecticut!

[new chick 203]

You've hit on the major drawback of the tractor type of coop - If you need to go in it's a pain! (flash backs of my DH crawling in and the door swinging shut and locking himself in all crouched over) Life got much easier when we got a walk-in run. They will get the idea about going in eventually, it's just so nice out.
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[Luke13:34]

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I think that the bumping of the head would be the least of my concerns.. I'd be a bit more squeamish about what was underneath my hands and knees...

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Thank you all for the birthday wishes!! It was a loverly day!


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Re the bantam Orps.. yes, they exist and should be just fine in our New England winters providing that you have adequate shelter for them and enough birds within that shelter to huddle together and keep warm (30-50 birds should do it!

)

 

[BirdsinBethel]

The smooshing part I can avoid somewhat-I have 2 big spongy pads the kids use under their slide (so they hit those instead of the mud) that I've appropriated for my own use. But Miss Klutz can't seem to avoid bumping my head, getting snagged on the wire overhead, etc. Last night one bird who was up in the coop decided to peck my hair through the mesh wire...just as an added bonus.
I hope they get the idea and get themselves up there pretty soon! We're going camping for a few days at the end of the month and I don't expect my housesitter to chase them up at night

 

[Luke13:34]

I think that a video of your trying to put the chickens to bed would be the only way we could truly understand the situation and be able to help you. Please post on YouTube tonight and provide the link here.

 

[BirdsinBethel]

HA HA HA
I can guarantee that the chickens will be putting THEMSELVES to bed before that happens!

Besides, you'd have to sign a waiver that you were in good health and wouldn't be incapacitated by the hysterical laughter that watching the video would generate!

Luke13:34 :

I think that a video of your trying to put the chickens to bed would be the only way we could truly understand the situation and be able to help you. Please post on YouTube tonight and provide the link here.

 

[Beth G.]

You all are toooo funny!!!!! I've been working 70+ hours per week with limited time on BYC

but, to get on here and see this as my first Catch up forum made me laugh my butt off!!!

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[new chick 203]

Hi everyone! I have a lovely Black Orpington Roo, 6 weeks old that needs a home. He was (I hope I got this right

) black split to lavender. he hatched from a blue egg that I got from Beth and she has lovely, healthy birds. We have been calling him Bertie, he likes eating grapes and chasing moths.

I would consider delivering or meeting you part way, depending where you are. Thanks.

 

[The Tinman]

So what you are saying is the floor in the coop is wire mesh. The light inside the coop then lights up the run. That might be your problem. I would cover the mesh at night until they get the idea that the coop is where they are suppose to roost at night. Also give them a night time treat. Put it in the coop at night and that might help get them up there.
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[BirdsinBethel]

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Thanks Tinman-only part of the floor is mesh, and the light is on the other end-but you might have a point there. Today I gave them their 'blue plate special' to lure them upstairs-just chick feed wet down with hot water (on a blue plate which my husband refuses to let back in the kitchen regardless of how much it gets washed). That worked and they all went upstairs nicely-if that happens a few days in a row I'll be happy

!

 

[Luke13:34]

My chickies go to bed when it starts getting dark. Maybe the light on in the coop is confusing them. Try leaving it off and see what happens.