Ok I have had chickens for years R.I. Reds, I now also have 10 bantams hens and 1 rooster which are kept in a different barn then the R.I. reds. I was out in the barn about a week ago and noticed that 1 of then hens was digging a hole in the ground it's not that big just big enough for her to sit in, she has now laid about 6 eggs in it and has started to kick dirk over them and then sit. Is the normally, My R.I. reds have always used the nest. I tried to move the eggs into the nesting box but she would not sit on them. I have check to make sure the nesting boxes were clean so that's not the problem. Hope someone can help with this one. I might also add that it has been very hot here, not sure if that would have anything to do with it. Thanks Tracy

-- Tracy in TN (emilyfarms@tsixroads.com), July 15, 2001

Answers

This is a quess only a quess. Maybe she's digging down to help regulate the temperture in her nest , sure would beat cooking her eggs that are exposed to the summer heat. Sherry

-- sherry (chickadee259@yahoo.com), July 15, 2001.

It is very hot here and my aracaunas are burying their eggs too. I found that if the ground gets sprayed every morning with a cool mist around the nesting box, they will lay the eggs in the nest. Actually one of my children discovered this as she is the one that takes care of the birds. I guess the water keeps the nest cooler.

-- Cindy in Ok (cynthiacluck@yahoo.com), July 15, 2001.