Soggy run

[Mrs Potts]

Hello to you all.

 

Each day the hens merrily kick woodchip into the bottom slot at the mouth of the Classic, where you lift and drop the door to lock them in. Actually, I think they kick it in, then jump up and down on it for half an hour to ensure it has compacted as much as possible. The door then cannot be dropped/locked and of course, that guarantees them at least ten minutes fun each night watching me and my trusty bamboo cane pick it all out again. I've even attached a small torch to the bamboo cane with elastic bands so I can pick with one hand and test the door with the other. Actually, a miners lamp would be good. I have had the hens for eight months now and love them dearly, but have never once managed to creep up and slide the door shut without them all popping out to watch the floorshow.

 

I've tried to sweep the woodchip into the centre of the run, away from the door. I don't get home before it is dark, so can't go up in the afternoon to do it. The lovelies would know what I was up to anyway.

 

Has anyone had a similar problem and worked out what to put over the slot/protect it from bits falling in?

 

Cheers.

[mollyripkim]

I have the same problem with my Go, I have taken the little plastic bit out of the slot which makes it a bit easier as there is more room for the metal rod to go into. It is a pain though as I can't always shut the door properly for safety. If I just rest it shut they have pushed through to get up in the morning but cannot get back in.

[Christian]

Someone mentioned cutting up a foam garden kneeler pad to block the hole in the cube nest box. You could try blocking it up with a strip of that?

[Mrs Potts]

Hi, Christian.

 

I will give it a go, thank you for the suggestion. I had hoped that some cube owners might say "why don't you buy one of these, we never have that problem!".

 

Just off up the garden with my trust bamboo cane!

 

[ThinkingChickens]

I'm using pine shavings. I haven't had that issue with the Go though. Maybe it's because the pine is smaller?

[Alis girls]

I have aimed the hose in it to wash out all sorts of nasties - i think you are right they jump up and down and totally block it