Mrs_B Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Hello all, My Columbine has started a naughty habit - she shreds the corners of the newspaper inside of the house and runs around with newspaper in her mouth in delight before the others want in on her antics, then she swollows it! Is this OK? I am a bit worried about this becoming a long term habit because I don't want her to become poorly. Any advise is much appreciated x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mabelandflosmum Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Goodness, it doesn't sound like a good thing as the paper has ink in it! I would suggest doing without the paper for a while till she forgets all about it, hens have very small brains! This may make cleaning out a pain though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted July 13, 2012 Author Share Posted July 13, 2012 Since this morning they've all been having a go and their run is a right mess when I went out to check on them! If I have to take the paper out then I shall...I would rather have harder cleaning and healthier hens Thank you for replying x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Try putting some sort of bedding on top of the newspaper. I use Aubiose this absorbs the poo and stops the little darlings getting to the newspaper, makes cleaning even easier. Just poo pick on top every morning and do a big clean once a week. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixiewish Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I had to stop putting a layer of paper below the bedding as mine were shredding it and eating it. Cleaning is a bit more work, but at least I know they aren't harming themselves now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henslaved Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 Mine did this when Treacle was in the broody cage, I put a newspaper on top to stop the others from standing on the cage and pooping on the broody. I decided to use a plastic tray instead. Newspaper must be tasty . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted July 14, 2012 Author Share Posted July 14, 2012 Try putting some sort of bedding on top of the newspaper. I use Aubiose this absorbs the poo and stops the little darlings getting to the newspaper, makes cleaning even easier.Just poo pick on top every morning and do a big clean once a week. Hope this helps. I have done this now, thank you! I really like Aubiose as it makes daily cleaning so much easier Easpecially as they all sleep in the nest box! Newspaper must be tasty though, they pushed the corners with Aubiose I covered away and got at the newspaper underneigh...cheeky madams x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
