Chicken bald back

[mullethunter]

My girls have an Eglu Go which I've put a wooden perch in (I dont really like the roosting bars - seems too much like sleeping on the floor and the girls always choose the perch). My question is, when they aren't using the nest hollow because they're not laying, is there any need to put 'bedding' in? I don't see how putting it in the poo tray makes any difference to them. What do people think?

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I suppose it would only be a benefit if they tend to poo in the nest hollow - it would make it easier to pick out?

[DaisyAndBobby]

Can I see a photo of your perch?

 

We have the Go, and I have been thinking about a similar thing myself.

 

I was worried that introducing something like this after nearly a year of just using the normal roosting bars, would just confuse our two and perhaps see them sleeping in the nesting box or just on the normal bars anyway.

 

Would be very keen to see a picture of what you've done.

[mullethunter]

ANH I actually find it easier to poo pick with no bedding, so I think I'll carry on with none unless the ground gets frozen and I want to insulate them from that a bit more.

 

DandB I'll try to remember to take photos tomorrow

[DaisyAndBobby]

That would be great. Thanks. I'd love to see what you've done.

[mullethunter]

 

At each end are two short bits of batten which sit between the roosting bars angled in opposition. Then a piece of batten the width of the Go sits between them so it's flat (I've taken off the corners of the perch where it rests on the uprights to make it lie flat). This is just wide enough for my four (2 Pekins and 2 Wyandotte bantams).

 

 

If you did it for large fowl it might be a bit more difficult because you'd need something wider too. It's pretty rough and ready but my lot took to it straight away, and apart from the odd time I've found a Pekin shoved between the perch and the back door (presumably when they've been bullied there) they've always chosen the perch over the roosting bars / nest hollow.

[DaisyAndBobby]

Thanks for sharing! That is genius.

 

We have two large fowl, so I'd have to rig something slightly different, but I am going to give it a bit of thought and see what I come up with.

[The Dogmother]

That's just one of my long list of gripes about the Go!

 

The roosting bars aren't raised high enough to encourage airflow underneath. The nest box is really too exposed (even more so than in the Classic) they will choose a dark or partitioned off area to lay eggs if possible, and will prefer bedding such as Aubiose to make a nest in.

 

Personally I don't feel that the interior of the Go! is conducive to normal social and 'necessary' behaviours.

[Cat tails]

Just to add. Mine are perfectly happy in the Go. But my Go is Up, so I think it adds to the idea of a roosting spot for my ladies.

[mullethunter]

I always put easichick in the nest hollow for them to lay in

[Dora+3others]

I put easichick bedding in the nest box of my cube but have to cover the large slit in the floor of the nest box. Why is it there???? I think probably for ventilation but what type of bedding do omlet recommend that wouldnt fall through

[mullethunter]

I think there are threads about that...

[The Dogmother]

Yes, I made up a cover cut from a plastic milk carton, with two bolts through it to keep it in place. Whatever you do, don't use paper or cardboard.