We just got a Black Australorp, Tuesday, I think. She's about the same age as our chicks/pullets that we got on Chick Day (arrived at the feed store the same time), prob'ly 18 weeks or older. None of those have begun laying yet. She seems to spend a LOT of time in the nest box. Being the New Chick in the Flock, of course she's been getting picked on by some of the others, notably Comet--who used to get the same treatment when she was the new, little one-- and the Polish, who is lately starting to show obnoxious behavior, similar to that which told us a previous "hen" was actually a roo.
Does it seem more likely that she is just hiding out in the nest box, to keep herself out of the way of the "Brats" who are bothering her, or is preparing to use the box for its intended purpose, i.e. getting ready to lay?
Does it seem more likely that she is just hiding out in the nest box, to keep herself out of the way of the "Brats" who are bothering her, or is preparing to use the box for its intended purpose, i.e. getting ready to lay?
