Chicken Coop News

Here is a helpful little technique I have developed for getting the girls and Pete into the coop when I want to close it up for the night. Usually when you get there two or three are still outside and the rest run right out when they hear you unhook the rope. So, leave the rope unhooked. The door will not fall down on its own. Get a cup of scratch and sprinkle it slowly on the floor in the coop. Those outside will hear it and come running in for their night time treat. They love pecking it off the floor. Pete will come in also. You will be standing quietly in the doorway. When you think they are all in, particularly Pete, you reach down and pull the door down from the inside. Done. Then I go around into the pen to make sure none are left outside and make sure the door is securely down. They are coming to expect this little ritual. Since they are all on the floor by now pecking away, you have one last chance to check for late eggs. FYI, they also like mellon, pineapple, and celery. The remains of a reception at BACN are now either in the pen or the compost pile. We have been letting them out to forage in the pile late in the afternoon if the weather is good and Boots is safely at home (or on the leash quivering with enthusiasm while watching them.) They like to have the coop door open also for awhile, particularly if the sun is out and they can sop up the rays on the coop steps. I usually close the door after about an hour so they get the idea to start heading home around through the pen. They usually go back in the pen on their own after boredom sets in. A few hens are looking very raggedy, particularly one of the Rhode Island reds. I think she must be Pete's favorite or she is in a serious molt. Production is sliding a little, averaging 15 - 16 a day now, so some are most likely molting. Others are just spending too much time with Pete.

from Peggy, chicken herding specialist