New-- Sound changes in my Hen

[RBiddulph]

I have 3 hens and 1 rooster. They're just about 4 months old, so I anticipate that they are on the brink of laying. However, recently they won't go inside their roosting box or nesting boxes... they all huddle in a corner of the pen that I have for them. Is this abnormal? Something I should be worried about? They do not free-range. Also, one of my hens, a Brahma, has been making a cooing sound instead of the usual chirp that she has previously made. Is this normal?? Thanks for any help!!

 

[iwiw60]

Yes, it sounds like your girls are getting close to laying! Mine are just about the same age as yours and I've noticed a distinct difference in the way they 'talk' to me. Now it's this cooing soothing sound...I love it! One of the best ways to tell if they're getting close is to slowly place the palm of your hand on their backs. If they immediately "squat" that is known as the 'submissive squat' and it's a telltale sign they're getting really close.

I noticed in your post that you say they are refusing to go in to the coop and stay in the pen? Do you put them in the coop at night?

 

[RBiddulph]

Yes, it sounds like your girls are getting close to laying! Mine are just about the same age as yours and I've noticed a distinct difference in the way they 'talk' to me. Now it's this cooing soothing sound...I love it! One of the best ways to tell if they're getting close is to slowly place the palm of your hand on their backs. If they immediately "squat" that is known as the 'submissive squat' and it's a telltale sign they're getting really close.

I noticed in your post that you say they are refusing to go in to the coop and stay in the pen? Do you put them in the coop at night?

Everything is attached. So they have a big square pen that has laying boxes on one side and a roosting box on the other side. They are free to go wherever they want any time during the day or night.

That makes me excited!!! I hope hope hope I get some eggs soon!!

 

[iwiw60]

Can you post a pic of your setup for me? I'm confused when you say "box" .........

 

[RBiddulph]

I'm at work and don't have many pictures. But this is the enclosure, it's about 9x9 and then behind them, to the left, is where the wall is cut out to be their little roosting box. It has a ramp to go up. Below, is a picture of the inside of the roosting box that I've made for them.

 

[centrarchid]

Two months away from eggs based upon apparent maturity of birds pictured. Voice change noted occurs during juvenile stage about same time first adult flight feathers start coming into wings. Further voice changes to come and some likely to be realized even after first eggs are laid.

 

[RBiddulph]

Two months away from eggs based upon apparent maturity of birds pictured. Voice change noted occurs during juvenile stage about same time first adult flight feathers start coming into wings. Further voice changes to come and some likely to be realized even after first eggs are laid.

Yes I have seen lots of feathers floating around in my coop! I'm very excited about these changes!

 

[centrarchid]

They are likely consuming all but the stiffest flight feathers. Keep them on a grower feed until the first eggs are produced, then switch over to a layer type diet.

 

[aart]

I have 3 hens and 1 rooster. They're just about 4 months old, so I anticipate that they are on the brink of laying. However, recently they won't go inside their roosting box or nesting boxes... they all huddle in a corner of the pen that I have for them. Is this abnormal? Something I should be worried about? They do not free-range. Also, one of my hens, a Brahma, has been making a cooing sound instead of the usual chirp that she has previously made. Is this normal?? Thanks for any help!!

Do you have lots of ventilation in the coop(roosting box) where the roosts are? Probably pretty darn hot in GA......might just be more comfortable for them to stay outside....or there might be something that spooked them in the coop.

That chicken wire will not deter many predators, I'd keep them in something safer during the night at least.

 

[iwiw60]

Do you have lots of ventilation in the coop(roosting box) where the roosts are? Probably pretty darn hot in GA......might just be more comfortable for them to stay outside....or there might be something that spooked them in the coop.

That chicken wire will not deter many predators, I'd keep them in something safer during the night at least.

Yes, absolutely!! Chicken wire is butter to raccoons, fox, weasel...you just about can name it...they'll tear through it like butter. Could very well be something came in and spooked your birds. Please re-think your setup. Me personally? I use nothing but 1/2" hardware cloth....everywhere.