Laying Question

[mikechickens]

I have 6 chickens
2 - Orphingtons
Amerecauna
Brahma
Cochin
Cookies and Cream (Meyer Hatchery Breed)

They were born on April 8 so closing in on 7 months. Only one is laying (Orphington) and has been for over a month. These seem happy and healthy. Its been a decade since my last flock. They are eating layer feed.

One challenge I have had is getting them to sleep in their hen house (integrated within their run). They have been sleeping on perches within the run. I am located in Northern VA.

Any thoughts would be really appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Mrs. K]

Pictures of your set up. Only to address the roosting issue.

Hens lay, when they lay. All humans can do is give them shelter and feed. One just has to wait for them to lay. So hard to do.

 

[mikechickens]

Thank you for the reply. Understood about the laying, was just a bit concerned something was wrong but will just wait and see.

They are in a integrated coop/run most of the time ( Garden Coop plan, we let them out under supervision, lots of predators as we live in the woods). When they were younger I put them up every night for a couple of weeks and they never went on their own. Worked for the last flock in the same setup. When the weather turned real hot, I stopped trying and they resumed sleeping outside. The one Orpington does go up to use the nest box.

I was thinking of reading of removing the perches outside to see whether they then go up? Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Attached are some photos of the setup and the girls out foraging this morning.

Thank you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Taking down the roosts in the run may help convince them to give the coop another try. What's the clearance from the roost to the wire mesh above? I'm wondering if it's a bit tight in that direction. Also is that straw sitting on top of the mesh? You'll want to clear that out, it's blocking the ventilation.

 

[mikechickens]

Taking down the roosts in the run may help convince them to give the coop another try. What's the clearance from the roost to the wire mesh above? I'm wondering if it's a bit tight in that direction. Also is that straw sitting on top of the mesh? You'll want to clear that out, it's blocking the ventilation.

Thanks for the reply. I have removed the perches so will see. There is enough clearance, could be more but no way to change that. It has worked before. There is a bit of straw but the entire roof is mesh. In the winter when it below freezing and windy I usually partially cover the roof with straw or cardboard so its not too drafty.