The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: red-september on May 21, 2012, 05:17:26 pm

Title: Stop Pooing in the nest!
Post by: red-september on May 21, 2012, 05:17:26 pm
any sugestions or fool proof ways of getting my hens to stop Pooing in there nest boxes, it gets all over the eggs and no matter what time i collect the eggs there still poo all over them.
any suggestions?
 
Title: Re: Stop Pooing in the nest!
Post by: northfifeduckling on May 21, 2012, 05:57:30 pm
same here - I shake the straw when the birds have left the house first thing to get the big bits off and turn it over - that just avoids some of the muck but helps :chook: it's nothing compared to duck eggs , though  ;D :&>
Title: Re: Stop Pooing in the nest!
Post by: in the hills on May 21, 2012, 06:04:59 pm
Are they sleeping in the nest boxes?
 
If so, block off at night, if possible, to break them of the habit. Uncover first thing.
Title: Re: Stop Pooing in the nest!
Post by: chrismahon on May 21, 2012, 07:06:28 pm
As Inthehills says break the habbit first by blocking them off at night -upturned plant pots we use. Fit curtains to the front of the boxes so they are less obvious. That will help prevent them returning and help prevent egg eating later -slit rubber Wilkos car mats we use.
Title: Re: Stop Pooing in the nest!
Post by: little blue on May 21, 2012, 09:32:03 pm
I have a LS hen who sometimes perches on the handle of the drinker in the day time ... s**ting in the water!!
I'm thinking of "anti vandal" paint... ;)
Title: Re: Stop Pooing in the nest!
Post by: chrismahon on May 22, 2012, 10:20:17 am
Could try a rabbit drinker Little Blue. For a while until the habbit is broken.