Unsecure chicken perches

[wiltshiremum]

The lady we bought our hens from suggested using straw in the nest box until feb and then changing to woodshavings due to the risk of mites.

 

Well I decided to give the woodshavings a go a couple of days ago as the weather seemed to have become more mild (has got colder again now). Not sure what my hens think as this morning I found an egg balancing on the roosting bars when they have ALWAYS laid in the nest box up until now...

 

I think it may be some kind of protest against woodshavings!! Funny hens!

[Redwing]

try mixing the two for now or putting a ring of straw round the edges of the nest box, they will get used to the shavings in time

[wiltshiremum]

Ooh that's a good idea Thanks.

 

I had better try that before they set up a picket line...

[C&T]

Ours hate change...

 

We use Hemcore in the nestbox, and normally put in some Red Mite Powder, just as a preventative. Should we forget the powder however, Fred refuses to lay in the coop, and runs about clucking looking like she has her legs crossed and is desperate for the loo... As soon as the powder is added, all is well again and she can lay once more...