Michigan

[Olive Hill]

The silkies we've had have roosted here, too. My daughter had a pullet that got first pick of roosting spots every night and every night she roosted on the highest roost (Probably 3.5 - 4 feet high). At the time my turkey hens were roosting in the coop and she'd cuddle up under one of them. Other silkies here have always followed suit.

ETA: I would put a low, even if temporary, roost in the coop and block off the nest boxes for a few nights to encourage them to use them. Just put a couple blocks in there and lay a 2x4 across them. Once they get the hang of roosting see if you can't raise the roost a few inches at a time until they start using the higher roosts.

 

[Ferrret]

Currently I have 2 silkies that roost and 2 that don't, one being quite broody at the moment. Usually 3 of the 4 can be found roosting, one is either too small or just not bright enough to figure out how to get up there. I might try a lower roost for her to sleep on or to help her get up by the others.
Oddly enough, my ameraucana tries her best to snuggle under the silkies despite being larger than them.

BF put together a small roost for the our friend's chicks and they all seem to use it now and again, mostly as a platform, although a few sleep there too.

 

[chickflick]

I have a ladder that leads up to the 3ft high roost that the silkies use. When you take them out of the nests to put them on the roost, make sure it's too dark for them to see enough to get to the nest boxes. Go in after dark and move the hens. They won't get down if it's dark.

 

[Chickmate]

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Thanks Opa. I'm trying to get some through BJ's Poultry in Howell, but if that doesn't work out I'll check with Wynette. BTW, is that really you in your avatar or is it Sam Elliott? If it's you

Sorry everyone, I've always wanted to ask him that!

 

[Opa]

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You should probably come to Chickenstock and find out for yourself.

 

[bjengel]

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- oh boy, I can just see it now a automatic/timer pop door version designed for nest boxes coming down the line!!!

 

[RIRJen]

Morning everyone...I'm looking at the forecast and (other then the rain) liking what I'm seeing!

Looks like I found a good place to purchase my barn from! I'm going to get it from a place in Leslie right off 127...they're quoting me about $600+ less then anywhere else. Once we have that in place I am going to put up my new improved chicken coop!

(which means I'll probably be getting rid of the old one if anyone in the lansing area is interested) I'm going to use one of those small metal sheds, split it down the middle and have a seperate coop and run on each side...I'm going to do the cattlepanel type run so I can cover it in the winter. Did I already tell you guys this? I think I did...maybe not, I'm just so excited to have my rabbits out of the garage I'm probably repeating myself!

This summer is going to be a lot of fun and a lot of work. I've been eyeballing my flowerbeds already...I've got about 15ft left to do around the house and then I'll just have to keep up with regular maintanance stuff...I love my flowerbeds.

And I've been saving all of my baby's empty metal formula containers so fairly soon I can start growing my veggies in them for the garden. Very excited for fresh veggies!!!

I did notice more wild rabbits lingering around over the winter (saw some and many many tracks) so looks like the good ol' 22G is going to be hard at work this year protecting the garden.

I like my rabbits...I don't like little wild ones who eat my garden!

 

[Chickmate]

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You should probably come to Chickenstock and find out for yourself.

I was planning on coming last year, but ended up taking a run to Greenville, SC to pick up my newest Chinese Crested. I'll be there this year!!!

 

[Olive Hill]

The whole "don't move around in the dark" is another memo my chickens never got. I should probably capitalize on their super chicken nighttime vision...

Here's a nice round number for ya...

15 Days Until April 1

And with today's weather it actually feels like it!

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

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