I have one mature hen (I would say around 4-5 years old going by the ring) that I have paired up with another cock in a breeding cage. She has not even looked at the nest box, not even gone near it.

 

With the other pair I have, the hen went in immediately and also sleeps in the nest.

 

Why would the hen not be interested in the box. She is in very nice physical shape.

 

Do some hens not get the whole breeding thing?

I would personally retire a 4-5 year old hen. She is "getting on" as far as breeding goes.

Edited June 3, 200916 yr by KAZ

Oh well, live and learn. I bought her from a pet shop as she looked really nice and only when I got her home I worked out how old she was. Never mind...I'll start looking out for another then.

I would leave for 1 month and if no signs I would retire the hen. she is getting old.

I found with some hens that go immediatley in the nest- the cock doesnt get a huge chance to fertilise the eggs if she doesn't come out. The hens that are slower to go in, seem to get a good bond with the cock bird and fertilise them all. Depends on whether the hen comes out much or not..

 

How long have they been together?

 

 

I should give up typing this early my spelling is atrocious, just re read it and half of it didnt make sence