Hollykins24 Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Hi All, I have two Speckled Maran hens called Gill and Linda about 8 months old. They have been laying well and get out for about 6-9 hours free-ranging activity most days. They're lively, inquisitive and eating well but for some reason they have stopped using their perch to roost at night instead preferring to snuggle down together in their easychick bedding filled nesting box! I've treated their coop for red mite although I've seen no evidence of these wee beasties anywhere. Can anyone suggest what I should do next? I'd be grateful for any advice as I'm pretty new to hen keeping and don't know if it's something I'm doing wrong. Many thanks in advance, Patricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 With my lot, the nestboxes are the most coveted spots! I leave them to it. I guess they like the warmth and hens like to snuggle at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollykins24 Posted August 11, 2014 Author Share Posted August 11, 2014 Many thanks for the quick reply, it's reassuring to know that this is ok as all the books seem to stress the importance of the perch and I made sure it was the right width(with chamfered edges) and positioned above the nest box! Looks like I was being too particular and the girls have voted with their feet so to speak! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 My Pekins have a perch but have never used it at night - they snuggle together in the Easichick bedding too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Yep few of mine like snuggling in together.The rest seem to prefer to roost outside on a little stand my OH made.I just let them decide for themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 A couple of mine have never been on a perch and snuggle up on the floor of the coup . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollykins24 Posted August 11, 2014 Author Share Posted August 11, 2014 It's good to know that there are so many non perching hens out there! I've just returned from the girls coop after 'fluffing up' their bedding so they'll have extra comfy conditions for tonight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 I do that - I'm so under the thumb / claw / beak! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
