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Post by Granny Smith on Sept 26, 2013 9:08:18 GMT -5
I cleaned the nesting boxes yesterday, but forgot to put more shredded paper in them. Not one hen laid an egg in the empty boxes. Instead, they laid them in the feed pan!
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Post by Valerie on Oct 5, 2013 21:14:16 GMT -5
I've had them lay them on the floor and out in the dirt, but never in the feed pan! Mine won't use a nest box if I forget to put the golf ball back in.
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 9, 2013 15:39:24 GMT -5
I have a wooden ball that I was using. I'm thinking about putting it back in the nesting box and see if the new chickens will get the idea. I've only found one small egg from them so far (there's 9 new ones)
For some reason, they're still only using one nesting box. I've seen as many as 4 hens in it at one time, even though there's a second one right next to it and just as private. It's as if they prefer the ward to the private room.
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Post by Valerie on Oct 9, 2013 19:24:04 GMT -5
Just wait until they get old and grouchy.
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 9, 2013 19:29:36 GMT -5
When that happens, I'll need a bigger coop so they can each have their own box. I'm old and grouchy and don't like sharing my nest anymore.
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Post by joanfromzonesix on Oct 9, 2013 19:54:44 GMT -5
I have a wooden ball that I was using. I'm thinking about putting it back in the nesting box and see if the new chickens will get the idea. .........and you would stoop to deceiving a poor animal like that ? more guilt is not what you need - be fulfilled, be honest with your charges -
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 9, 2013 21:59:15 GMT -5
I figured a croquet ball would encourage them to lay bigger and better eggs. We all need to be challenged in order to improve.
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Post by joanfromzonesix on Oct 9, 2013 22:41:13 GMT -5
in for a nickel, in for a dollar ....
what do they call those big black balls - the ones with holes for your fingers to fit in ?
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 10, 2013 6:26:50 GMT -5
LOL Now that you mentioned it, I have a bowling ball on the ground, right outside the chicken run. I wonder if the girls are up to the challenge...
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Post by joanfromzonesix on Oct 10, 2013 10:10:23 GMT -5
I have a bowling ball on the ground, right outside the chicken run. well....doesn't everyone ? around here that's a very common sight - i think it's an old hillbilly custom -
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 10, 2013 22:28:43 GMT -5
I had two of them, but I can't find the black one. I only have the orange one now. (I planned on covering them with mosaic)
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Post by susan on Oct 11, 2013 12:59:58 GMT -5
Mike's working on the nesting box add on to the coop. I've stopped at the Amish stand twice and bought straw, so I've got 2 bales stored. The fake egg bit made me think, Hobby Lobby! That's where I got my big wooden eggs to use as darning eggs. I may get a couple of smaller ones for the nesting boxes.
Susan
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 13, 2013 19:16:26 GMT -5
Susan, you can use a rock. Look for a smooth one about the size of an egg. The chickens don't know the difference.
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Post by susan on Oct 13, 2013 21:04:19 GMT -5
I just read this to Mike and he asked, 'Are they really that stupid?" Oh, by the way, the nesting boxes look nice and the girls aren't having anything to do with them. We'll give them time. They are always like that when he brings something alien into their pen. Susan
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Post by Granny Smith on Oct 16, 2013 19:32:55 GMT -5
Susan, tell Mike they really are that stupid. I've used rocks in the nesting boxes for years. Most of the time the hens won't start using a new box until I put a rock in it. Then they get the idea.
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