two questions

[carriehelene]

I have three sex-link pullets among others. Three days ago, their-the sex-links, combs and waddles were still pretty pink. Now they are red. Red red. And one of them has started making alot of noise during the day. Walks around squalking (sp). They are 17 wks, (holy cow, I thought they were only 15, until I just now counted on the calendar before I posted). I'm thinking this means they are getting ready, am I right?

My other question is regarding the nesting box. Um, I don't have one yet. And schedules being the way they are for the next two weeks, dbf won't get one built in that time period. Just not possible. I thought we had more time darnit, figured on mid to end of August. Sooo, can I use a plastic tote box with hay in it for the nesting box for the time being? And can I use pine bedding instead of hay, or is hay better. Guess I had 3 questions. Anyways, Thanks for reading! Carrie

 

[The Zoo]

I've used a plastic kitty litter box filled with pine shavings and now I have wood wine boxes filled with shavings. I think you can use pretty much anything and they'll use it. Just stick a golf ball or two (or fake eggs) in there so they know that's where they're supposed to lay them.

 

[sundance]

I used the plastic cartons but I put them in a heavy garbage bag so its dark in the nest, I leave one end open for them to go in they like he dark. since I use hay for the coop I just add some hay to the nests, and use DE rather heavy handed on nests, floor and roosts. marrie

 

[fordmommy]

I think I read in one of the forum that you can even use newspaper shavings if you don't have anything else to use. I am going to use this tote, with a board on top. Less than $8.00 at Lowes.

I also read that some people use a tote up-side-down with a hole cut out for the chickens. They are not as picky as we are.

Dark, quite place...

I would put them close to where you plan on putting them. I've read on here that people have to move their nesting boxes for what ever reason...and have to slowing move them. Every day a little closer to where they want them.

 

[Chickenmaven]

I saved drawers from an old dresser that was falling apart. They make great nests that 2 or 3 hens can share.

 

[Judy]

5 gallon bucket, cardboard box, plastic tote -- most anything will work. Pine straw should work fine. If you use wood shavings for litter, you can also use them.