Ribh's D'Coopage

[BY Bob]

Don't ask me why they do it but this is why there was such a drama when the girls found the little coop closed this morning.
View attachment 2803407

Go figure.......

 

[BY Bob]

I'm hoping the array of different nests I've placed all over will prevent squabbles if Ivy decides to sit. So far my big plan is a big failure because Jan, Peg and Ivy are all using the one nest and ignoring the other four nests.

They will do that. Have you not seen what my bunch does? Only 1 box out of 4 is used. Now, Sydney is using the new box when box 1 is used but that is a recent development.

 

[CrazyChookChookLady]

Of course it is. Where else would it be.

I feel like I'm making this up, but I'm not!

 

[Ribh]

Go figure.......

Yep. Boggles me poor little mind when I keep hearing 10squ ft per bird in the coop, 4squ feet in the run, 1 foot per bird of roosting space ~ then they do this & are perfectly happy.

 

[Ribh]

I feel like I'm making this up, but I'm not!

We all know you're the animal whisperer.

 

[Ribh]

Portia with Titania fluff bathing.

 

[MaryJanet]

They will do that. Have you not seen what my bunch does? Only 1 box out of 4 is used. Now, Sydney is using the new box when box 1 is used but that is a recent development.

I have seen it and that's why I placed 5 scattered nests several months ago. For a long time, your hens only had nests within the coop and I knew other people's hens lay all over, so I came up with the notion of scattering nests around the run. A moment ago I saw Janet checking the dust bin nest and a few days ago Ivy checked the wine barrel nest. So they're interested in the options while continuing to use the laundry basket. The next step is to remove some of the soil from the wine barrel so the hens can hide deeper within the barrel and put some straw in there.

 

[MaryJanet]

Portia with Titania fluff bathing.
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I love these big + little photos you've been doing!

 

[Ribh]

I love these big + little photos you've been doing!

Thanks, MJ. The contrast amuses me but I consider these friendships a little odd. I just feel blessed all my girls get along really, really well.

 

[Ribh]

I have seen it and that's why I placed 5 scattered nests several months ago. For a long time, your hens only had nests within the coop and I knew other people's hens lay all over, so I came up with the notion of scattering nests around the run. A moment ago I saw Janet checking the dust bin nest and a few days ago Ivy checked the wine barrel nest. So they're interested in the options while continuing to use the laundry basket. The next step is to remove some of the soil from the wine barrel so the hens can hide deeper within the barrel and put some straw in there.

I thought @ least one of my girls would have made a nest in the run but so far, no. There are a couple of really good hidey~holes but everyone is laying in one or other of the coops.