- Jul 12, 2009
- 7
- 0
- 7
We have 26 ISA Browns. Coop is approx. 9 X 8 with two windows, light on a timer. We originally had 5 nesting boxes. Sometimes they were waiting "in line" or even two in a box so we added 5 more. They refused to use them even after several weeks. We removed three of them and placed the other two attached to the original 5. Still refused to use those two. Confused yet? I sure am.
We feed layer mash and supply crushed oyster shells and lots of water. Egg production averages about 23 per day but now some are getting broke. They still won't use the additional boxes. We have recently found an egg several times outside the coop. Also, the eggs are many different shades of brown and once in a while one will be almost white. The sizes vary greatly. Some make me say "ouch" that's gotta hurt! Last question is about egg shell texture. Some are smooth and glossy, some are rough, some have bumps on them and some come out looking wrinkled. This is my first attempt at being a farm girl and I admit I am thoroughly confused and perplexed. Is there some way to entice them into using the additional boxes?
More info...we live in Michigan...they have plenty of outside area completely fenced and protected from predators cause we do live in the country (near Lansing)
We feed layer mash and supply crushed oyster shells and lots of water. Egg production averages about 23 per day but now some are getting broke. They still won't use the additional boxes. We have recently found an egg several times outside the coop. Also, the eggs are many different shades of brown and once in a while one will be almost white. The sizes vary greatly. Some make me say "ouch" that's gotta hurt! Last question is about egg shell texture. Some are smooth and glossy, some are rough, some have bumps on them and some come out looking wrinkled. This is my first attempt at being a farm girl and I admit I am thoroughly confused and perplexed. Is there some way to entice them into using the additional boxes?
More info...we live in Michigan...they have plenty of outside area completely fenced and protected from predators cause we do live in the country (near Lansing)