Single hen

[jane301161]

Thank you to everyone who gave me tips on creating a dust bath for my beauties. I went and purchased an "under bed box with lid" from morrisons and filled it with sand. The only problem is, I bought the sand from my local pet store, which was caged bird sand (?) and, as this contained miniscule bits of grit, the girls ended up eating it for a few weeks before they realised what it was for, and now bathe quite happily.

 

Now! My exciting news is that one of the chooks (Desdemona) has turned broody and so I have bought 6 fertilised eggs from a breeder not far away (different breeds) which she is sitting on quite happily. My question is, should I provide a separate 'nesting box' closer to the ground (she's in the nesting bit of the eglu cube at the moment) as I realise that when the chicks hatch (fingers crossed that they do) I probably won't be allowed near them and they will need access to food and water. Also, when they start to venture out from under Desdemona's protective wing they will not be able to negotiate the ladder down and might fall. What do you suggest? Should I build a temporary home for Desdemona for her last week of incubation on the ground with space for food and water? Any advise greatly received, as always. From Jane

[ted]

i am not an expert but I am pretty sure that you should have them in separate accomodation away from the main "flock"

[Christian]

I have moved this to 'chickens' for you Jane

 

You should provide her with separate accommodation now, so that the others won't bother her and can also lay - she will be protective of the nesting area.

 

More info for you here -

 

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=11473

[Egluntyne]

She will need to be on her won with the chicks when they hatch as the others will attack them.

 

Even though she is there to protect them, it is not a risk worth taking, especially in such confines.