Mincepies Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 A few days ago I introduced two new girls - light Sussex Shakira and Martika the maran - to my coop of three ISA browns. The new girls have not yet sussed going to bed in the coop, whereas when the ISAs arrived about nine months ago, they got the knack of going to bed in the coop at dusk from the off. The original gang also chose to lay their eggs in the nesting box from the start whereas the two newbies (only one of which is laying, the other isn't quite old enough) don't seem to be interested in the nesting box and so Shakira is laying them wherever takes her fancy. Our newcomers are also very shy, whereas the others were bold and friendly. (Now they are so tame they'll jump up on our knees/arms if we are eating food out in the garden!) All were pullets on joining us and came from similar farms. Can anyone advise on how to encourage Shakira and Martika to a) go to bed in the coop and b) lay eggs in the nesting box? They're not quite friends with the other girls yet, but I realise it's still very early days, not sure if that will be affecting them re going to bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 It can be tricky introducing new hens to an established flock, but as long as they aren't being bullied, that is a good thing Try putting the new hens to bed for a couple of nights. They will soon learn where to sleep. If you place a golf ball/ping pong ball in the nest box, they will realise that is where they need to lay. It might be that the ISA's are guarding the nest box/the new hens are scared of them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
