Seems all I have are actual freeloaders right now! Out of 22 of my girls (Mr Marans ladies and Bob’s combined) I am getting an average of 1-2 eggs a day. Yesterday was a lucky 3 egg day... not great for sales! Even Hawk’s red Production girls have quit laying since the windstorm... luckily Barney’s 6 girls are still reliable, I know the free Rangers are laying, but haven’t a clue as to where most days! Tailess is laying 4-5 eggs a week, but in Roosties tractor.No Freeloading Allowed
Chickens like to work for their food. If you have ever seen a chicken scratching while eating from a feeder and wondered why? It is this instinct to work called contrafreeloading that makes them do this.
I have always tried to capture one of my hens doing this. Today Phyllis did it for me. I almost missed it. It occurs right at the beginning of this video. You will see Phyllis scratch once IN HER FOOD BOWL.
No free meals for this lady. She is a hard worker.
I’m thinking, with the weather I believe is coming this winter, that I will try to integrate Sammy back in with Dean and Cass. I’m thinking screw it, and slam together a decent sized and properly walled coop out of some of my House materials ASAP. 35 pullets/hens should be enough to keep the three guys fairly calm In shared housing right?