After Dolly’s big broody poop in her nest at “Camp Broody”, I received a great suggestion from one of our followers. It was suggested that I take Dolly off the nest for about 10 minutes each day to reacclimate her with the original flock. This would act to serve two purposes. First, she would probably poop in the run and not in her nest. Second, this would keep her acquainted with her family.
Well, yesterday afternoon, I did just that. The old flock seemed to remember her. She received some pecking and did some reminding of her own. Her pecking order is at the top of the Silkies and below the three larger birds. After about 5 minutes, she was done and went into the coop. I closed the coop door, scooped her up and returned her to the nest.
This morning, I repeated the same for a little longer. The morning energy was a little more enthusiastic. The smaller Silkies tried to rival Dolly. However, they were reminded of their place in the pecking order within a couple of minutes. She scratched and pecked at treats in the run and then when she returned to the coop, I scooped her up and placed her back on the nest. I am so glad that I took this great advice!
Thank you all for your encouraging and helpful comments this past week. They are making a difference to this novice chicken owner. Tilly and the flock send their thank yous as well!