With temperatures significantly below zero, I have been worried about Gertie getting cold overnight on her own. Despite my best efforts to winter-proof her coop, it's really not ideal for a lone hen in these temporary. I had thought about boxing in her perch but I worry that she would struggle to get in and out.
Then it struck me. Why couldn't Gertie stay overnight in one of the Omlets with the Topknot Gang? If I waited until they had taken themselves to bed, they would be unlikely to pick on her in the dark. Making up my mind to try it, I picked up a very grumpy Gertie who clearly was not impressed with being woken up and carried. I closed the nest box door on the purple Omlet and opened up the side door. What I saw explained why the nest never has any bedding in. All four of the moronic birds had fitted themselves into the nest. The best is designed for a single bird but clearly no one had told the girls this! I swear Cumulus was standing on top of Aurora, whilst Arcus was perched precariously on the edge of the nest. I couldn't see Coco but I assumed she was underneath Arcus somewhere.
Carefully, I worked my hand into a spot which I thought would be big enough for Gertie. I put her down and there was some considerable grumbling and shuffling around as they reorganised themselves. Pleased that they weren't interested in attacking Gertie, I closed the door and dashed back inside to warm up.
The next morning, I opened up the nest box door to find Gertie snuggled in with the others. As soon as I opened the door, the Topknot Gang sprang up and ran out, leaving Gertie somewhat confused and a little disorientated. I reached in, picked her up and headed across to the Fortress of Gertie-tude. I put her in and refilled her corn bowl. She set to with gusto - you'd never believe I feed that bird judging from how she attacks food! Once she had her fill, she began to walk cautiously around the coop. I think she was still a little confused so I placed her up on her perch where she proceeded to have a post-breakfast nap.
Pleased with Gertie's sleepovers, I decided that this might be a good way to give her more company throughout the day. During the day, the Topknot Gang visit although it's mainly to scoff Gertie's food. When they are all out in the garden, they ignore or occasionally peck Gertie. If Gertie sleeps with the others more regularly, hopefully they will accept her and let her join in more.
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