adamsmba
In the Brooder
- Apr 30, 2016
- 25
- 1
- 26
First let me say, I am brand new to this. I have 3 Silkie Bantams and 1 Americauna that are 12 weeks old in a coop and 2 Buff Orpington's that are 2 weeks old (these are not in the coop yet). I bought the cool 2 story condo coop with the expansion pen, put chicken wire all on the bottom and around the edges on the ground to keep out any predators. The 4 chickens are roosting all night every night on a roost in the expansion pen. The ladder going to the 2nd story is often used for perching but they NEVER seem to go inside where I have a tray layered with shredded pine mulch. There is a screened window for ventilation on the 2nd story, and I have removed the nesting boxes (I read somewhere on here that I should until they were almost 5 months old). I'm concerned that they never go inside, and that once I do place the nesting boxes that they will never go there to lay their eggs. Someone local had told me I should be "locking them inside the coop" at night, but there is no door to do this. I guess I could make something. Am I worrying over nothing, or am I doing something wrong? I am really enjoying the experience, but definitely feeling a little out of my league with knowledge. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.