Laying on the floor

[Kiki]

The bins at 12 inches deep and 8 inches wide . The younger ( 15 weeks old) ones go in them all the time.

OH..the picture makes them appear about shoe box size...to me.

 

[eggbert420]

Are they bantams or large breed?
Bantams use 9x9"
Large 12"x12"

 

[eggbert420]

OH..the picture makes them appear about shoe box size...to me.

yup

 

[kcirello]

could you remove that 2x4 just above the bins?
Open up that area above the bins more?

But then they roost on the edge and poop in the eggs....

 

[kcirello]

Are they bantams or large breed?
Bantams use 9x9"
Large 12"x12"

RI reds and barred rock. The red is laying now

 

[sunflour]

The youngers not laying are just exploring, the layer is not happy with the change - so she's the one to focus on.



IMO try to adjust the new set up to mimic the old one - here's some thoughts:

1- go ahead and open all new boxes to give her a choice. And it allows the upcoming layers to explore and learn where to lay.

2 - add some sight dividers between the new boxes to mimic the older walls.

3 - add a strip of wood just in front of the box row - so when she enters she can land on that and not tip the bin. Likely she is trying to climb in on the cut out and the bin would rock/move and be scary.

4 - add a flat side up board onto the below the box access - looks like she was used to walking in and not jumping up.

4 - remove the board across the top front to of the bins - likely the larger "roof" is enough to keep them from roosting or pooping from above. If you need that to support the roof, try a narrower board or angle this one to open up the area.

5- not sure, but looks like the older set up was darker and more private - clear bins places her on view - consider changing to colored bins so they are darker inside. You could try this instead of suggestion #2.

Hope this helps.

 

[eggbert420]

agreed

 

[eggbert420]

Here's a picture of mine, it's for my wifes bantams. I nailed boards in the sides to help the bins to be more stable.

 

[Kiki]

GREAT ADVICE!!