A few weeks ago, I bought a lovely normal cinnamon sky hen and was also given a beautiful big spangle blue cock. I paired them together in a breeding cabinet as they came from the same place and I thought I might as well see if they did anything while in quarantine. I actually didnt think either bird was interested at all, but over the past week or so, they have been showing definite signs of bonding. The other day, I found an egg on the floor of the cabinet. I thought she might have just surprised herself and seeing as she wasnt nesting, I decided to foster it and see what becomes of it. Both birds have been "laying down" alot and then I realised, they are nesting on the bottom of the cabinet, and I found another egg under her today. Yesterday, before the egg, I put her in the nest box to see if she might take to it. Then I worried she might not come out, so I gently shooed her out to show her she could come and go. I then put her back in the box and a few minutes later, she came out again and she has gone back to nesting on the floor. I would like any suggestions to help with this situation. I put an upside down cut out icecream container with some shavings and today's egg in there, but she isnt interested in using that either. I really didnt think these guys would go down and I really would like their chicks if they have fertile eggs.

Help please

Could you try a clear plastic/perspex door... so there would be plenty of light getting in? Not sure if that would help or not?!?! Good luck and please keep us updated...

LOL how ironic. I have cabinets with plastic nest boxes and they have perspex slides that could be used like this, but she just happens to be in one of my very few cabinets with a wooden nest box.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess I could risk trying to change them over with another pair that I just put down and havent bonded yet........

LOL how ironic. I have cabinets with plastic nest boxes and they have perspex slides that could be used like this, but she just happens to be in one of my very few cabinets with a wooden nest box.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess I could risk trying to change them over with another pair that I just put down and havent bonded yet........

 

 

lol... But... if she wont even use the icecream container, maybe she won't use any nest box either? Could you pop her eggs under another hen, move them into the other cage and see... you could then add her eggs to her 'new' nest box or the floor if she goes back there??? That way the eggs should stay warm if she stuffs around a bit???

That is actually a pretty good idea! I just need to get myself a marker tomorrow to mark her eggs. Which brings up another question. What type of marker is used to mark eggs?

I dont mark eggs, but i believe any non toxic pencil or kids texta is okay.

You got me thinking Maes.....I didnt think there were any nests I could put new eggs into, but my "foster pair" 's babies are close to fledging, so she should probably be laying again and all her eggs have been clear the last two clutches, so I will foster this pairs eggs in with her I think and that should work......I think lol

Sounds good Sounds like a plan!