Mottled Houdan questions

[TGray]

I have 2 Houdan Pullets they are about 10 weeks old and are out in there run full time now with 4 others (Barred Rock and Buffs). The houdans are not very smart i am figuring out. They have a ramp in and out of there coop and the houdans cant figure out how to use it at all. They basically fall out of it in the morning and cant seem to figure out how to get back in the coop.

Has anyone trimmed there head Crests? and has it made them any smarter.

 

[Michael OShay]

You have touched on a common complaint with the crested breeds such as Houdans, Polish, and Silkies. I used to have Golden Polish and Black Silkies and never had to trim their crests since they had no real navigation challenges to cope with in their coop and run, but I know of other crested breed owners who have trimmed the crest feathers in front of their eyes for the simple reason that they cannot see well, which creates navigation problems for them that non-crested breeds simply do not experience. Instead of trimming the crests, other crested breed owners have opted to use hair ties on them. Either way, it should solve your Houdans' navigation problems.

 

[TGray]

We trimmed there crests and they don't seem any smarter:/. They can walk out there ramp into there run but can't seem to figure out how to go back up it top get back into the coop. Hopefully they figure it out soon.

 

[Michael OShay]

Interesting! I've never had Houdans personally, just the Polish and Silkies, and as I said in my post, they had no real navigation challenges in their coop and run. Maybe another BYC member can give you some answers. Good luck with your Houdans and I hope they figure out how to get back into the coop.