My girls like to sleep on the top? They go inside to lay eggs in the day, but all 4 RIRs sleep on the roof even 40deg in the rain? Mice problem?
1243022
Mine will lay eggs in there too but then they prefer to sleep in the home I got them for their first year with me-- a Formex snap-lock chicken house. I've recently put the Fontana up on blocks and will start to pull some out of the Formex coop and put some into the Fontana so they aren't overcrowded like last winter!
1243023
Do not have an issue with mice it's pretty tight as far as I can see. I have 3 Ducks residing here. For Ducks it apears to be a smart choice. As they do not need to roost up off the floor. My chickens (housed separately) Would not be happy as the roosting bar is on the floor.
1243024
My four girls like to sleep on top as well. I think it gives them a Birdseye view of what's going on, no pun intended. I do not have any rodent or reptile problems that they should have to worry about. I just think they like the view.
1243025
Mine sleep locked inside at night. If you have a rodent problem you would probably need to install some hardware cloth over the 4 drain holes at the corners of the floor. They are large enough for a mouse to get into.
1056623
I'm with you all...just turned 8 months, sleeps like a lamb in the RnP, but is so active that she can't sleep in her crib. I'm all for letting her cry herself to sleep at this age, but we live in an apartment and I'm trying to be aware of our upstairs neighbors. Ugghhh...this is frustrating. :(
1640346
Our south central Texas climate is very mild, but in winter the temp drops in the teens. That's when I bring my 3 big dogs inside to sleep at night. When the sun is shining they stay outside and I add some pine bark shavings as insulation. That works for us!
822224
Just a helpful tip. Mice have poor vision and tend to stay by the walls. They are also smart and realize when something is out of place. Suggestion: leave the trap unset for several nights without bait until the mice get use to it. After a few days, set the trap with peanut butter. That way they won't be afraid of the trap. Also, be sure to set in perpendicular to the wall.
446914
If the mice are climbing up inside the downspouts, the gutter brushes would prevent them from exiting the downspouts. The brushes lay in the gutter and would block the hole to prevent them from getting on the roof.
1210348
I usually have to take my puppy out around 1-2 a.m. and most nights they're still on when we go out for our last backyard visit. The latest I've been out and seen them on is about 3 a.m. I've only once or twice seen them off prior to that and that was usually a rainy or overcast day. I don't think I've yet seen them not come on at all, even on rainy days - pretty amazing.Just realized it might help to know I'm in Northern NJ.
602706
I have 3 of the large pet beds and all 3are outside. They are out of the weather and thry are wonderful...one is in an outside dog house and one on top. The dog house is under the roof of a covered deck.
1964314
The walls roof and bottom are hard with padding. I actually have a 10 lb weight on the top because they would wrestle in and out and tip it over so this keeps it from tipping
912601
All night as long as they get sun, you may need to put the top in the sun for several hrs. I think this are the best!!
603974
I'm actually having the same experience. In 2 weeks I've gotten one egg laid in the new boxes. I've tried showing the boxes to the hens, putting eggs in them, and making the places they are laying less appealing for nesting. Not much luck yet. I am hoping time would help them get more comfortable with the plastic boxes, but based on your experience, maybe not. I'll be interested to see others' answers.
473583
Dear Serendipity...You might want to try some catnip and sprinkle some on the cover. I had the same problem with a few ferals and it took a few times but eventually they all laid on it. It also helps when the temp's get really cold. They can sense the warmth!
641249
We're going through a pretty cold winter here in NC and even thought I've been worried about them they seem to be holding up well. Now since we're much farther south than you, I'd recommend an insulated coop. Check with other chicken owners in your area to see how they keep their chickens warm through the harsh winters.
524523
If Chickens are only in it at night to sleep do they still need food and water inside? Can you just keep it outside for them when you let them out in the morning? I am new to chickens and always wondered about this when I read about food and water in these...it confuses me. I assume some people leave their chickens in there all the time? Sorry I mean no offense just trying to learn. I've read somewhere some people just take the divider out or use one nest box with divider in place to put foot there...depending on the size of your feeder/water device. Hoe that helps some as my comment was more a question itself than a answer.
109258
Early spring is the best nest installation time just before newly determined couples are looking for suitable accommodations. I placed ours last May and no owls have decided to move in yet. I am hoping a pair will spot and like our box this year.
783104
I had an injured hen and her healthy friend (for companionship) placed in this coop/pen and they crawled under the house and laid there in the shade. They can fit and they will lay down there, but they can't stand fully upright. My two were an Easter Egger/Ameraucana and a Cochin if that helps.
945107
I live in Wisconsin, mine is down all The time to prevent birds from flying Ingo The Windows. No problems so far.habe Gad it for some time befire Winter.
1861750
Ours did the same thing. I started using my perch in incriminates of two hours because of the same concern. I also worry that it gets too hot, and there is no way to cover it safely. So my suggestion is use it sparingly, keep a close eye on your baby, they are too precious to take chances on their well being. Also, check talons if possible to see if heat has affected their toes, this also will let you know if it's harming him