Well, heck. I got another egg. On the floor. Oh well. I can still see if today's hen goes to the box tomorrow. We will work this out. Even if they stay on the floor. My big concern with the floor is that someone didn't go in the floor nest yesterday (guess it was busy), and I almost stepped on the egg. Part of the charm of that area is that it is dark even with the sun streaming in.I got an egg in the new box! The temperature outside is high enough that I cannot tell if it is a fresh egg, or one from the hen I placed in there this morning. Either way I am happy. Tomorrow we will see what happens.
Speaking of chickens not wanting to lay where they are supposed to.The dog has decided to sleep in his own bed. I couldn't sleep last night or nap earlier because he was pressed so close to me, I was falling off the bed. NOW he wants to lay where he is supposed to. Yup! He is a chicken dog!
I will not buy anymore nest boxes until the one I have is used.
I'd have to say though, if you see a breed you really like, and it suits your yard, buy from an established reputable breeder to get good chickens that will carry the traits you expect. Be honest about your expectations, and though it seems like it could be fun to breed your own it can be a real pain in more than one way. If you want to have chicks, order some hatching eggs from the same breeder, just research up on it and be prepared to deal with all the issues...sometimes you have to do stuff that isn't warm and comfy....like cull a roos that you raised from an egg....and making that decision isn't easy. I also think overcrowding is the bane of chickendom. They need space...some more than others...nothing is sadder than chickens overcrowded. Right now nature is having a fine old time culling my chickens for me...if you aren't fast, smart, alert and healthy you are gone...I must say though the flock looks very strong now...and I'm not worried about the coop being too small for winter.
