First time chicken owner in Dordogne France

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Thanks drumstick diva
ah- yes they seem to be sleeping in the next boxes, and yes certainly poop there....so normally where should they be sleeping? they have a roost frame, but don't seem to use it. and is there a cycle to when they use the next box for laying eggs, morning? nightime? so I can close them off at the right time?
and yes I have seen a few feathers so perhaps that's the reason for no eggs. They have a fenced run of about 40 x 20 plus sand ad I was putting back crushed eggshields...yesterday I bought a bag of oyster shells in case that was the problem, but still no eggs this morning...will read up again...thanks
 
dordogne chickens said:
Hello the Dordogne is the region east of Bordeaux, north of the Pyrenees. Red wine country for sure..beautiful and a lovely place to live...home will always be New Engand for me....I am so excite to have chickens at last...but learning the ropes...no eggs for a few days now..my hens came from a large egg laying farm so not convinced they really know how this works with private nesting boxes, outdoor space etc...all a learning curve.
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They look like they could be molting, which would explain the lack of eggs.
 
dordogne chickens said:
Thanks drumstick diva
ah- yes they seem to be sleeping in the next boxes, and yes certainly poop there....so normally where should they be sleeping? they have a roost frame, but don't seem to use it. and is there a cycle to when they use the next box for laying eggs, morning? nightime? so I can close them off at the right time?
and yes I have seen a few feathers so perhaps that's the reason for no eggs. They have a fenced run of about 40 x 20 plus sand ad I was putting back crushed eggshields...yesterday I bought a bag of oyster shells in case that was the problem, but still no eggs this morning...will read up again...thanks
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Typically in the morning or early afternoon. You should be fine closing them off early evening.
 
I was told they are about 18months old, and actually I don't know what breed they are I think here in France they call them rousse? anyone

Don't know what happened there...I have discovered they are Orpingtons...and way hay...four eggs this morning. Ive been told they wont lay if its too hot and as its been 90degrees plus here all last week, perhaps this was, it and they do seem to be molting...as am I in this heat!.... IMG_6721.JPG
dordogne chickens said:
I was
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dordogne chickens said:
I was told they are about 18months old, and actually I don't know what breed they are I think here in France they call them rousse? anyone

Don't know what happened there...I have discovered they are Orpingtons...and way hay...four eggs this morning. Ive been told they wont lay if its too hot and as its been 90degrees plus here all last week, perhaps this was, it and they do seem to be molting...as am I in this heat!....View attachment 1101056
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Those hens are not Orpingtons, they are Red Sex Links. A hybrid bred for egg production. Nice eggs!
 
A very belated hello but I'm looking for others in France @dordogne chickens ! I'm also in the Dordogne so hello from a 'neighbour'! The French term 'rousse' just means red and can refer to a number of different breeds from what I understand. My little Clementine was described as a 'rousse' and then after researching I realised that that wasn't her breed just the term for basic red layer hens. I emailed the guy I bought her from and it turns out Clem' is a Lohman Brown which I believe a lot here are. Your coop is very open so no ventilation issues that is for sure! I have noticed someone around here who has the most amazing vegetable garden and lots of chickens (maybe 40) also has just a large open coop similar in style to yours. How are you finding it now it is winter? I'm starting to consider revising my plans and having either lots of removable doors / windows or maybe even consider one permanently open side. I'm going to go and see my neighbour who has lots of chickens and I have a feeling he has only 3 sides on his coops too. Anyway I hope you see this message and your chickens are doing well - good on you for getting ex batts :)
 

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