The Poultry Keeper

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

It's Day 6 and things don't seem to be going too well. After reporting that the hens had put themselves to bed on Weds evening. Last night they were just crowded under the henhouse. I left them and then later on sent hubby out, he reported that one had gone in and the other three were fighting over an egg ! By the time I got out there all I saw was a small piece of shell.
I managed to grab one of them and shoved her in the house and gave up with the other two. So two stayed out under the house (which is in a safe run) all night.
I am feeling very disappointed and rather worried that keeping a few hens has turned into a full time job. I have read many of the posts about looking after them when they are ill etc and I can't imagine how I could ever hold one long enough to dust it with powder let alone hold it's vent over steam !
Can anyone offer me any encouragement?

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Try not too worry too much,
They soon get into a routine, so hopefully things will be easier for you soon Wink

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:27 am Post subject:

My chooks didnt want to go inside at bedtime either......

Solution......a battery powered light in the coop switched on at dusk.....!!! Very Happy

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7367 Location: isle of lewis

don't worry ,they end up fitting ,you end up with a routine that suits you and them (well more them) but it gets easier ,i've ownly had one hen get egg bound in 3 years and i think i have 49 of them Shocked

,
suz

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

Thank you for your support. I have removed a battery powered light from under the stairs and fitted it in the henhouse ready for this evening.
I'm still disappointed to have missed my first egg but I'm sure there will be more to come - fingers crossed !

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:03 am Post subject:

Aussie Chick · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:15 pm Post subject:

I wish they could be my full time job, as I spend so much time watching them anyway!!

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

Yes they are fun to watch especially when they are 'moondancing'.
I am now concentrating on rebuilding our relationship after the times I have tricked them with food and then grabbed them ! Kiss of love

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

could you maybe, fit some netting between the floor and under the house for the time being, so that they can't go under there at night ~ just until they get into the routine of going in the house?

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

Yes that's a good idea. I will see how they are this evening. Last night I went out to switch their new 'bedroom' light on and there were 4 heads peeking out of the pop-hole ! I think it was because there was an owl shrieking loudly in the woods behind. Anyway, it did the trick last night !

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

well done, you'll have to try to rig up a light that can work on a timer, to save you going out to put it on and off!

Nisi · Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 164 Location: Yorkshire

The light worked brilliantly last night. I agree that it would be easier to be able to switch it off from outside though. I had to suppress my laughter last night though, I opened the house switched off the light and then closed the house. As I left the run they were moving about and knocking into the sides so that it sounded as if they were moving furniture!

The good news is that I got my first egg yesterday ! And another today! I haven't been able to bring myself to eat them yet though ! They are both very small but perfectly formed. I am very excited! blob5

debcat · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:38 pm Post subject:

there's nothing like getting your first egg.
glad the light worked

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

Awh bless,

Very Happy

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Congrats on the first egg(s)! Glad the light works out.