Elevated Nest to Make Viewing Easier From Window

[centrarchid]

This might be of interest to some. I want to record what a hen does in nest while in lay and during incubation. Previously, most recordings where either of hens in 10' x 10' dog kennels or something even smaller where they where not able to leave immediate vicinity of nest. So I setup what is kind of like a giant Blue Bird nest that is elevated above the ground and oriented so I can put a game camera in optimal position for viewing. During the day with hen will be able to come and go as she pleases with dog protection by day and a pen will be dropped over her for protection from owls that harass when dogs do not get there fast enough. The nest will be modified later so hen can bring chicks back to it each night rather than roosting on ground in bush or in trees.

Starting point is with a black plastic milkcrate.

 

[centrarchid]

Two T-posts provide vertical support that will allow dropping nest down after hatching and incrementally raising nest once chicks develop capacity for flight.

Nest fixed on T-posts.

Chickens that will be making use of nest, likely with first egg deposited tomorrow.

Nest with pen set down on it. Rooster will be pulled each morning and placed on tie-cord. He will be the only male the hen will be exposed to when free-range during the day.

 

[centrarchid]

Hen has taken to nest and deposited the first egg.


Evidence of nest site preparation on her part based on excavation of nest bowl.

Hen on nest preparing to lay egg.

Egg in nest.

 

[aart]

Weather protection seems minimal.
Blowing rain not a concern?

 

[centrarchid]

Weather protection seems minimal.
Blowing rain not a concern?

I am OK with >=80% hatch rate, most of time >. Direct sun and getting soaked are what needs to be prevented. Materials used for nest material (cardboard paper and grit) allows rapid drying. Tin extends more than 4" past nest on front and back.

 

[centrarchid]

Up to four eggs. Eggs getting a little wet from hard rains.

 

[phasianidae]

Centrarchid,

Glad to see your still active here. I had a long break from chickens and am just getting going again.

Very interesting project, what breed/mix are the chickens?

 

[centrarchid]

These are American Games. A pair of Aseels and pair of American Dominiques will be treated same shortly,

 

[centrarchid]

Appears game hen went broody yesterday. She stayed on nest during driving rain even two days ago and much of yesterday and all of last night. This picture taken just as sun was popping up.

Last year she produced two clutches of at least 11 eggs each. This clutch has only 5 eggs.

 

[centrarchid]

Still incubating. I may remove rooster so hen can roam as she wants during the day. She is a pet that will be used to do a lot of outreach in June so we need to get some training in. One of her daughters from last year will be used in a similar manner.