Single hen

[vetty82]

One of the hens is sat in the cube quietly in the corner by herself. She's not in the nesting box, but I don't think they've quite figured out what thats for yet!

 

She seems ok in herself, just shuffling about in there a lot!!!! The others are all outside running about, so not sure if she's bored, scared or being bullied.

 

We have one egg layer so far, but not sure if its her, she seems to have been in there quite a while. How long does it take to lay an egg if thats what she's up to?!

 

xx

[ted]

Myfanwy did exactly the same before she started laying, she was up and down the stairs quite a bit on her own. She even sat in the nest box for a bit without laying. Is she making more noise than normal??

[vetty82]

Yeah she is making a long drawn out clucking type noise.

 

Currently we have shredded paper in the nesting box, but I'm not sure if theres enough in there for them to make a nest.

 

Goodness, this new chicken malarkey is worse than having kids!!!!

 

xx

[ted]

straw is better. If you fluff your shredded paper up a bit and make it look inviting... You may also notice then when she has sat down to start making her nest area. Myfanwy did this a couple of days before she laid proper.

[Cooks]

I dont like straw myself, I prefer aubiose and a topping of shredded paper.

[vetty82]

Well currently I'm going to be testing out lots of different things for the nest box and for the run area!

 

They only arrived on monday and my lawn where they are on is disappearing into mud now, so thinking! maybe wood chip might be a plan. I can't keep moving the whole cube every 3 days or so!!

 

Plus with the kids being fascinated by the hens my garden is getting a nice muddy path worn into it where they keep pacing up and down to 'check on the chickens' or 'look for eggs' (OK OK I am as guilty as the kids!)

 

xx

[ted]

i have my cube in a permanent spot with woodchip around. It works well for me and the ladies. There are a number of posts which lists all the different views on bedding, permanent v moving around etc etc etc. I think you are right to experiment and see waht works for you. I can try and dig out the posts/topics that may help if you like?

 

Cheers

[vetty82]

That would be great if you don't mind and have time!

 

Thanks so much

 

xx

[ted]

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=40658&hilit=permanent

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=40179&hilit=permanent

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=40809&hilit=bedding

 

Are a couple. It may be worth having a read through and put together a new post with specific points.

I have found the permanent run to be excellent with wood chippings, Straw in the nest box.Stalosan F raked around weekly to help with bugs. Poo empty weekly. Good Clean 4 weekly. Change bark 6-8 weeks. I have the run covered in winter to keep the whole place nice and dry...

 

Anything else I can help with give me a shout but still learning myself... main thing is to remember that you will not be going far wrong whichever choice you make... Its about what works for you and your Chickens...