New roosting behavior. Suggestions welcome

[Sic]

Wait, so are we suppose to follow the animal's lead, as they know what they can handle or are we suppose to make the animal do as we want... no doubt, animals can survive a lot.
As a side note about dogs and getting wet. We have owned Chesapeake Bay Retrievers for years, a breed known for relishing getting wet no matter what the temperature. When our first dog was 12 and dock jumping at the end of October he suddenly collapsed. Some knowledgeable friends got some sugary treats into his mouth pronto and he came around. I did some research and found out that most mammals are able to shake their coats of water at the perfect velocity to dry them -- but, as animals age, they lose some of this ability. Our Argus had DM and we did not realize that it was effecting his shaking to such a degree that he went into shock from hypothermia that day.
Always monitor your dogs as they get older (and your chickens, too), because things that they could thrive through just the previous year could be too much for them as they continue to age.

My dogs live a privileged life on a remote island, no collars, no leashes and the freedom to do as they please. 60 years with dogs has taught me that life is too short, and that the quality of life is always better than the quantity of years. I am their world, therefore it's my obligation to share and let them enjoy the amazing beauty of God's creation. You do you.

 

[Seaslug]

Okay... I am recommending that people with older dogs who love to swim take an extra moment to check in and see how they are drying because, as they age, their physical abilities to dry through shaking can diminish. It takes cordination and a fit body to shake water from a coat. I certainly had not thought about it before it became a serious issue for our beloved dog. That is all. As someone with Chessies, I wouldn't dream of telling someone to not let their dog swim -- I'm sorry if it came off like that.

 

[Love Donkeys]

I believe animals will do their own thing as far as sleeping where they want or enjoying themselves. We have a 20'x50' run-in barn for the livestock. Our Cows used it to stay out of the rain, our Meat Goats used it to sleep at night. You would think our Donkeys would do the same as their predecessors. Nope! They prefer to sleep in the woods, pouring rain, freezing temperatures it doesn't matter. That's where they are happy.

 

[jreardon1918]

Good start, see what they do when you block that area.

You've probably seen this before, but just for a reminder:
Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Look fast, they will scatter quickly once the feathers are parted and the light hits them.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

I went out last night and found all the girls peacefully roosting. I checked a couple of the girls and they all seem free of pests. The nest boxes are still blocked and no eggs yet. The lighting program started on 12/26. No red combs yet, so no need to unblock the nests. Thanks again everybody for your support.
Jack

 

[jreardon1918]

Two more updates.

1. I was lazy when wrapping the run this winter. I never did the southern side. And it has been cold and windy. So, I completed the southern side this morning. That means on days like today, the sun shines through the just installed clear shower curtain. That curtain also probably reduces any wind coming in the window adjacent to it. Like I normally do, I left an 8-10" gap at the top. And 3' of this side is completely open. As is the whole east facing side.
2.I had to buy eggs today. I hate that.

Hoping for eggs soon.

 

[jreardon1918]

The egg shortage is over. I got an egg this morning. It looks like 3 or 4 of the girls have red combs again.

I have removed the block of the egg boxes. I blocked the nest boxes on 12/30. So they were blocked for two weeks. Hopefully the girls will all roost away from the nests.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You would think our Donkeys would do the same as their predecessors. Nope! They prefer to sleep in the woods, pouring rain, freezing temperatures it doesn't matter. That's where they are happy.

I think Donkeys like to always have a clear path of escape 360°, and to be able to see any predators creeping up on them from any angle, that's why they prefer to sleep out in the open. However, I'm just guessing, I have not asked any Donkeys about this personally.

 

[Love Donkeys]

I think Donkeys like to always have a clear path of escape 360°, and to be able to see any predators creeping up on them from any angle, that's why they prefer to sleep out in the open. However, I'm just guessing, I have not asked any Donkeys about this personally.

You are 100% correct.
Donkeys have a very wide field of vision. They have large eyes and they are set wide apart. They can see 340 degrees around them without moving their heads. I think they are the only animal that can see their 4 legs and hoofs at the same time.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I would like to know more about the Wisdom of Donkeys. We think of them as stubborn, but ... they have more sense than a lot of others. More than a lot of us give them credit for, as well.

 

[Love Donkeys]

I would like to know more about the Wisdom of Donkeys. We think of them as stubborn, but ... they have more sense than a lot of others. More than a lot of us give them credit for, as well.

Donkeys will always assess the situation before they act, horses will follow their owners commands oblivious to the risk. Donkeys have to rely on their intelligence for self-preservation.