The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: rorsa on September 11, 2008, 10:33:43 am

Title: Hens won't go to bed
Post by: rorsa on September 11, 2008, 10:33:43 am

A few weeks ago I dispatched our cockerel as he had become very aggressive. Since then one of the hens goes to bed as usual. The other 4 perch on top of the hen house. Clearly the cockerel was the one who got them all to bed. It is proving a real pain having to lift the 4 hens into the house each night. Anyone got any ideas as to how I get them to put themselves to bed?

Title: Re: Hens won't go to bed
Post by: Rosemary on September 11, 2008, 07:01:48 pm

Get another cockerel?

Title: Re: Hens won't go to bed
Post by: doganjo on September 11, 2008, 08:56:02 pm

Now THAT's a good idea! ;)  He'll want to get to bed first and if he's good looking the girls will follow him in! ;D

I gather they are easy to come by too.  I'd have one too but I value my neighbours.  Anyone know if there is such a thing as a 'crowless' cockerel? ;)
Annie

Title: Re: Hens won't go to bed
Post by: hexhammeasure on September 11, 2008, 11:03:41 pm

Yes - I believe they are a strain called oven ready!

Title: Re: Hens won't go to bed
Post by: redfox on September 11, 2008, 11:50:50 pm

Hello,

This is just a thought...do you know whether or not you have rats going into the hen house at night? If so, maybe the cockeral would scare the rats off. Maybe the hens are stressed out from rats?