Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[mullethunter]

Amy is acting more or less normally during the day (she kicks the Pekins out every time they go in the nest box but I think that's normal for her ), but the last three nights she's gone to bed in the nest box and hissed and pecked me when I lift her out and replace her with a flower pot. I think she then gets onto the perch.

 

Could she be broody-ish? She's two and a half and hasn't been broody in the year I've had her.

[mimi5]

Sounds broody-ish. My hen Polly is often a little on the broody side (well let's face it she is a pekin ) But she never seems to quiet go the full monty.

 

Just keep an eye on her and always block the nest at night

[mullethunter]

I think that must be it. Broody-ish Silly girl.

[Grandmashazzie]

I have exactly the same problem with my Mabel, how odd. I have been watching her the past few days, she is ok during day but takes herself in to the nest box about 6 pm,is turfed out in morning but doesn't rush back in.Mmm maybe building up to broody. Red sunset is giving me bad ideas on another thread eggs from eBay!!!

[redsunset]

I always get the blame, lol! Go on, you know you want to.........

[mullethunter]

I'm really tempted too but not going to until I've plucked up the courage to learn to dispatch.

[PickleHen]

Oh my, I think I have 2-3 of these. I have never blocked the nest at night and all three of mine sumo wrestle for the space. I have had them for 8 months and didn't realise that I should be discouraging this behaviour

 

I suspect starting the nest blocking now will upset the ladies, would you suggest that it is worth some upset and I start the retraining?

 

Feeling really silly..... But I can't be too bad a Mum as I get 2-3 eggs every day!

 

All thoughts welcomed!

[mimi5]

Yes, I would discourage it. Lots of reasons it's not a good idea, they can get too cozy ....making them go broody. Nest material gets soiled and then the eggs, also the nest material needs changing more frequently. they could be targeted by mites etc

 

If you have a cube, the smallest size trug fits the hole perfectly (top tip I got on here) They will soon get used to not going in there if it's already blocked off before they go to bed Just pop in in after you've collected all the eggs........but remember to remove it in the morning

[PickleHen]

2 eggs today and they didn't seem too disturbed by the torture if not having the nest to sleep in last night. I checked on them before I went to bed and they were stacked up, as close as they possibly could be , without technically being in the nest. I wish I had taken a pic! Thanks for the advice!

[mullethunter]

That's good picklehen - they'll get used to it.