Pullet in a Nest Box

[Welshies]

I know they leave every once and awhile, but sometimes she skips a couple days.

She doesn't sound very broody. How old is she?

 

[LilJoe]

She doesn't sound very broody. How old is she?

40 weeks (9 months)

 

[starrmar006]

she could be bullied or scared of another chicken.. my chickens hide in the nest boxes for several days until the hen or rooster is gone or out of sight.

 

[LilJoe]

she could be bullied or scared of another chicken.. my chickens hide in the nest boxes for several days until the hen or rooster is gone or out of sight.

I am out with them a lot and she Is not picked on at all.

 

[Welshies]

Sounds like she just wants to sleep. Do you have 10" of roost space PER bird?

 

[LilJoe]

Sounds like she just wants to sleep. Do you have 10" of roost space PER bird?

I believe so... maybe just a little less

 

[Welshies]

I believe so... maybe just a little less

Most breeds need 10" of roost space per bird, even 12". Maybe remeasure your roost space and double check that you have enough.

 

[nminusyplusm]

I have one around the same age that did that except she was roosting at night. It kind of started with staying in the nest box a little too long after she'd laid but not every day, as if she was toying with the idea of going broody but had not yet fully committed to it. Then she finally did go full blown broody today with breast feathers pulled, growling and that broody clucking.

She clearly had plans to stay in the nest box tonight so I put her in the breaker at bed time. I think there's a wide spectrum of broodiness, probably more so with pullets who are new to it all.

 

[LilJoe]

Right now they cuddle for warmth so I don't think that is the problem. And I just remembered that I have a roost that connects the main roost to the wall. So, I think I have over 10".

 

[Welshies]

Right now they cuddle for warmth so I don't think that is the problem. And I just remembered that I have a roost that connects the main roost to the wall. So, I think I have over 10".

Still, more space is better than little. Young pullets can be intimidated by lack of space. Although, I think she is more likely to just be a lazy sleeper!