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[Lorralorra]

Hi

 

My four ex-batt hens are all crowding in to the egg box to sleep rather than using the main bit of the Cube. I didn't think this was a problem but now with it getting dark earlier I'm not back from work in time to rescue the laid that day before the hens get back in there to bed down. Result = broken eggs.

 

Any ideas for how I can encourage them to use the spacious main bit of the Cube rather than cram in to the egg box? I always shut the door when it gets dark so the is cosy but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

 

Thanks in anticipation of your top tips.

Jane

[stripeybunny]

I have had my 3 chickens for a week. They have always slept in the nestbox of the cube. This evening before they went to bed I blocked the entrance to the nest box with 2 pieces of cardboard. They did make some attempts to get through but pretty soon settled down in the main section of cube. Just got to remember to take it out in the morning. I'm hoping that tomorrow night they will sleep in the main section of the cube and not go back to the nest box. If not I will turve them out when I get home from work I'm sure they will get the message soon enough.

[Plum]

No idea, but welcome

 

Perhaps you could try removing the bars and putting bedding in the tray so they settle down there

 

A roll away nestbox could work but they may be having soft eggs which is why they break or just be wicked like my Grackle and go in and peck them rather than break them accidently in which case you could try dummy eggs or filling one with mustard to put them off

[stripeybunny]

2 chickens in the main part of the cube and 1 in the nest box this evening.Put Crumble in with the other 2 and replaced the cardboard across the entrance. They will soon learn.

[Wolfie]

We have three ex-batts and they "told" us that they prefer the roosting racks removed, just blind the poop trays with Aubiose (depth of about 3 inches) and let them enjoy! Easy peasy to poo pick out in the mornings.

[Lorralorra]

Thanks for the welcome and your advice and experience. I will try taking out the racks and seeing if that encourages them in to the main area. Thanks v much, Jane

[sandyhas3chucks]

ex bats don't "know" about roosting,,,, some do take to it others don't. to be homest after spending all their lives on wire I don;t blame them for preferring the comfort of all snuggling up together.

I have 3 Eglus and have taken out the rear roosting bars on all of them. poo picking is simple!