MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

No, I'm partly teasing. If your eggs were fertile and there was a chance she might go broody then a centrally positioned nest with padding between the eggs and hard surfaces is best. What happens is as the hen rearranges the eggs, it's easy for one to get pushed against the nest box wall and crack. Also, eggs at edges are harder for a hen to get their beak behind to move back into the nest and underneath her.

Oh boy, I'm hopeless at being teased after all these years, you'd think I'd have worked it out, but no! Clueless.

I get what you're saying about the set eggs situation.

For Peggy I thought if she lays while I'm noodling about, I'll shut her in the little coop so she needn't panic from the aunties peering at her.

 

[rjohns39]

Good evening folks

 

[rjohns39]

Sunrise this morning....

 

[BY Bob]

I've just done my rounds and for the first time everyone in Tribe 1 is on a roost bar.
It helps that Fat Bird has take to roosting on the lower bar with Mel. So that's most senior and second in command both on a lower roost.

The alpha gets to decide where she wants to roost. That is the privilege earned. It can be lower or higher. Usually it is higher. It doesn't have to be.

Mine insanely fight over the end of the roost away from the automated door. it has always been so in this coop. In the end though it is simply Alpha's choice what the best spot is.

 

[BY Bob]

It was hard going for Peggy but she's her saucy little self this morning. I wish her Aunty Sandy would stop grabbing her by neck, but that's going to take a lot more time. Sandy is so proud of her new status, she's going to be over-diligent in the exercise of her powers for weeks yet, maybe months. Mary's a good defender though and she prevents too much harm. Janet frightens the pullets without even trying - a kindly bok makes them leap into the air and scatter.

Sounds like your flock is actually settling in nicely. Everyone is filling their place in the order. You have done a great job with them.

Don't expect Sandy to let up. She is not going to lose her spot without a fight and frankly it is best if she keeps them as cowed as possible.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm still not quite over it. Last night I thought perhaps someone put it there to prank me. What an absurd thought, of course one of the pullets laid it.

Ivy is delightful. Her evasive manoeuvres are brilliant, her scampering about is endearing, and she's clever, really clever. Not to mention fascinating in her appearance - her leg and feet feathers, her little crest, her dark lacing on gold feathers, and her sweet little tail trying to get established!

She's an awesome little chicken!

I am going to enjoy hearing her stories. That's my kind of hen!

 

[BY Bob]

I'm sorry Bob!

I forgive you.

 

[BY Bob]

We’ve got plenty where we are at the moment, but thanks.

You need some ducks for the pond on your pool cover!

The wild ducks come to the pool every March. Then I have to run them off when I want to open the pool! They make an awful mess.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm now certain Peggy lays blue eggs. I noticed her getting anxious, making a nest, then she disappeared into it. I waited, did a few chores in the henhouse and yard (Ivy has a sturdy branch to roost on tonight and the young peacherine's roots are protected from Janet's enthusiastic dust bathing), waited some more... She emerged and there it was, another blue egg. She laid it in the nest box of the little coop.

View attachment 2020827

That blue is quite beautiful sitting in that nest. Congratulations!

 

[BY Bob]

it used to break my heart to hear them cry to go back in the old coop..but it all works out...

The sound breaks your heart. I always describe it as being a parent. I had to do things that made my children cry as well but it was also for their good. It really does pull at your heart strings.