Mandarin question

[bandbaustin]

Ok so today I put two nesting boxes in the manadarin pen for the two pairs. After about ten minutes one of the hens crawled in one(with a little effort) How long will she stay in there to lay. Since I am new to Mandarins I worry she can't get out.

 

[chickenlisa]

how big is the opening in the box? Mine get in and out and I don't notice them struggling at all. We made the boxes according to Wood Duck nestbox plans we found online.

 

[bandbaustin]

I used wood duck house plans but my neighbor drilled out the holes for me when I wasn't hone. I had circles drawn but don't know if he followed them exactly. Guess I will see if she comes out by tomorrow

 

[Scott]

If its at least 3.5 inched in diameter, then it should be fine. Most plans recommend 3x4inches or 4x4inches.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

If she got in, she'll get out, they just sit in there to relax a lot and get away from the harassing males.
4" wide 3"tall is ideal

 

[bandbaustin]

Well I went out today and she was out there wth her mate and the other pair, so it must be ok.

 

[bandbaustin]

Well I went out today and she was out there wth her mate and the other pair, so it must be ok.

 

[Matapatos]

So what is the answer to the second question? How long will they hang out in ther while they are laying? I've had mine lay one egg, yesterday, but I haven't seen her in there since and there isn't another egg today, well, yet. We did have a storm come through yesterday and today, will that throw them off?

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

like I said, some times they are trying to get some rest away from the males and will stay for hours, other times, in and out in a few minutes, just til the job is done. Varies hen to hen and situation to situation