Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

She has food a water in with her. There are meal worms spread all over the straw in front of her. She just needs to get up and eat them.

If she's disdainful of mealies, she really does not need food.

 

[MaryJanet]

I've noticed the first 3 to 5 days they don't leave the nest. After that they'll leave briefly and then the last 2 or 3 days they don't leave again.

Yes, this is what I've noticed.

 

[goldenfingers]

I think it would need to be mounted very low for the hens to reach in as if they're grazing.

This is how it works

I actually had to raise it a bit higher when the girls grew to full height

 

[MaryJanet]

She is coming off in the morning one way or another. She is scaring me.

It's only been one day of uncertainty.. she may have had a snack in that hour you weren't available to watch her.

She'll be ok for longer. You can trust her to know her needs.

 

[MaryJanet]

This is how it works
View attachment 2757402
I actually had to raise it a bit higher when the girls grew to full height

Ah! I see.

 

[BY Bob]

Is she good at taking breaks Bob?

She was until today. I have not seen her come off yet.

 

[featherhead007]

Remember that time I lost the hens and it turned out they'd gone on an excursion to the garden two houses up the street! Cheeky little sods. Still, my neighbour had a huge laugh at Peggy running along in her slippers as we herded them back home, so it wasn't a total loss

“Chicken run”

 

[Ribh]

I would if you're unsure. Remember I had a broody trance herself to death my 1st year. I know I wasn't home to supervise but I probably wouldn't have found her in time anyway. She was very well hidden. I always worry about the 1st timers. Mature hens have more sense.

 

[BY Bob]

I used to ensure Ivy got up every day but then Shad said it's better to let her set her own routine. I think he said if it got to 3 days, intervene, otherwise don't worry.

They use/need very little energy while in their trance you see. So one meal lasts for a lot longer than you'd imagine.

Ivy's last broody spell lasted for around 30 days until I decided enough. I think it was around about 10 days brooding, I stopped interfering and let her be. Sure enough, she got herself up regularly to eat, drink, pool and dust bathe.

Thanks for the reassurance.

@CrazyChookChookLady has been telling me the same. I'm starting to calm down. Sydney was off every day like clockwork so I had a different perspective on what should happen.

 

[Ribh]

Ah! I see.

My girls prefer the feeders high rather than low, even the bantams. I had to lift the one I'd deliberately set a little low for them.