Hey.... Lets keep Chickens..!

never_too_old

Gigervamp wrote: »

Heather, we use pellets, but we have a galvanised trough as the main feeder.

Never too old, welcome to the world of chicken keeping. Some people tack up something that covers the entrance to the nesting boxes, but allows them to get through, like a piece of fabric. We have the same problem sometimes. It's only really a problem because they poo in the nesting box, so if you can't get them to stop, just clean the poo out of the boxes each day.

I have blocked it off for now to see how they get on and if they seem unsettled i will do as you say and clean the nesting box out every day.
Thanks no doubt i will be back with more questions:)

spirit

mine tend to bundle in the nest box to sleep when it's cold, otherwise they sit on the roosting bars.

I don't mind either way, it's no bother to poo pick when required.

Gigervamp

Ljonski, it's a shame that you won't have any more chickens to watch for a while, but maybe you'll get to watch the foxes and their offspring. And if you need a chicken watching fix, you know where to look!

On another sad note, we found a dead chick in the bedding under Belle today. Still curled up as if asleep. Sweet dreams little chick.

never_too_old

spirit wrote: »

mine tend to bundle in the nest box to sleep when it's cold, otherwise they sit on the roosting bars.

I don't mind either way, it's no bother to poo pick when required.

So its no big deal either way then, i should just let them decide where to sleep? and if the nesting box is messy just clear it in the morning?:)

Gigervamp

Most of ours prefered to sleep on the floor or in the nest boxes. We only had about 3 or 4 who roosted, but recently, more are roosting.

I just leave them to it.

spirit

never_too_old wrote: »

So its no big deal either way then, i should just let them decide where to sleep? and if the nesting box is messy just clear it in the morning?:)

That's exactly what I do never too old

never_too_old

Thank you:D

TrulyMadly

I'm thinking that my 3 ladies have reached the end of their laying days and I don't think I want to replace them - as I get older I like a lie in on a weekend! Layers pellets are expensive. Is there an alternative feed I can give them that's cheaper but tasty padded out with kitchen leftovers. Thank you

HeatherintheHills

Mine mostly sleep on the floor, nest box or on bricks in their secure run in warm weather.

They have petitioned* me recently, there is an old, low, pollarded elder with some great perches on it in their netted run, they want it in their secure area so they can sleep in that too. Something else to consider for the new secure run. :rotfl:

*petitioned = me being a bit late going to shut them in and finding 4 of them asleep in the elder.

HeatherintheHills

TrulyMadly, You could get a timer for the pop hole? Or try what I do.

I work unpredictable hours so had to work out a way of keeping chickens knowing I'd not always be able to get to them early in the morning, especially in spring/autumn.

I have the coops in a secure fox and rat proof runs. In the evening I ensure their feeders and drinkers are full in the runs and leave the pop holes half open for them, they push their way out easily. I then go let them out into their big run when I'm able to.

The pop holes are only closed in very bad weather, usually winter, when it isn't so much of a problem.

Sorry, cannot help with the food question.