Antique Nest Boxes

The ladies in the hen house have been laying so many eggs lately, and several of the girls are "broody" (they just want to sit on their nest all day and night). Broody hens are grouchy hens, so there has been a bit more squabbling over the nest boxes in the hen house. 

I have various apple picking baskets lined up in the hen house for the girls to lay their eggs in. The apple boxes are cute and functional and low to the ground for the little frizzle and silkie girls. But even though the girls have several (6) baskets to choose from, most of them prefer to lay in the same two baskets. Of course, the two favorite baskets are where the broody hens want to be, too! When a hen jumps in to lay her egg, the broody hen gets all kinds of upset and a bit of pecking and screeching takes place until they settle into the basket together.

 
To change things up a bit for the ladies, I decided to get some antique traditional nest boxes from a local antique dealer and hang them on the walls of the hen house.

 
The boxes I chose show significant signs of age, but they're charming and fun!

 
The bigger girls have already started using the new nest boxes, and the frizzles and silkies -- well, they're still using the old baskets, and are broody as ever. 

Comments

[Shellie Daniel]

They are soooo funny! Looks like they like their "new" old nesting boxes. I guess even in the poultry world, they have their favorites. Thanks for the cute update!

[donna]

I love the hearing about your chickens. When you bring them in the house for a little TLC. I have a new appreciation for chickens.
Love the new nesting boxes. Looks like they like them.

[diane mcvey]

Oh, I dearly love the chicken boxes you found! That is just great for your sweet hens! I'm sure they are loving them...how neat!
Thanks for letting us know the latest on your "girls"...they are so cool. And now they have some awesome laying boxes to brood in...SWEET! Have a WONDERFUL Sunday with Alan! :D

[Carol Dee]

Nice new/old nest boxes. Hope this puts an end to some of the bickering :) Have a relaxing weekend. Hugs...

[Jean]

I just can't explain my fascination with your chicken stories!!! I can remember gathering eggs a few times (more than a few actually) but I think it's more in the way you tell the stories. I love the new nest boxes even though the baskets ARE cuter. Your girls must love where they live so they are quite happy letting you gather their hard work. Keep up with the stories.

[Jennifer Woodward]

I learn new things with each visit to your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your photos and knowledge and stories of the chickens. The antique Nest are really quaint!

[M!ssPr!ssy]

These are awesome

[M!ssPr!ssy]

SCORE. Hi Anna!