"Hen boxes"

[Terry]

I just put an order in for what's usually called a hen box, like what Mr. Hudson makes. I really don't know much about them other than they are beautiful to look at. How do the differ from normal box calls? What's their volume like in comparison? Thanks

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[Will]

No spring on lid screw so you need to "work the lid" more. I think the sound crisper, more bark if you you know what I mean. They sound great.
Just my opinion.

[Yoder409]

I have a pair of the springless "hen boxes" from Marlin Watkins.    They run more.like a longbox and sound more like a shortbox.    A little on the unique side.  I like them quite a lot.

[Terry]

Do they have the typical box call volume?

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[Rapscallion Vermilion]

Yeah, like Will said.  There is greater degree of freedom in the lid which also has more curvature on the bottom. So by varying the angle of attack on the box you get different pitch and degree of rasp.  Also by rotating the lid softly or sharply while doing the stroke you can play with way the yelp breaks.  I find them more fun to run so I have practiced with them more.  My hen boxes from Richard are louder than my standard size boxes, but I can't say they are louder than a long box or boat paddle box with similar internal volume.

[Yoder409]

My Watkins hen boxes have ALL the volume of a regular shortbox and then some.

One thing I find with the hen box is the ease of kee-keeing.   Now, a bit of that is wood combo.  But the more freely running paddle is most of.it.

[TNBIRD]

Yoder can you post a pic of your Watkins hen boxes? 

[Jbird22]

Hen boxes (Turpin style) have vertical sides and the screw has no spring. You have to cant the lid yourself to get the sound. They are very versatile and have a sound all their own IMO.

[gergg]

The hen boxes I built last year were very easy to run, I actually liked them better than other boxes. They are plenty loud, my concern would be can they be played quiet enough and maintain good "action", the hen boxes could do that nicely. I am not a box call guy, but if I wee I would use one of these.

[Yoder409]

My Watkins hen boxes have ALL the volume of a regular shortbox and then some.

One thing I find with the hen box is the ease of kee-keeing.   Now, a bit of that is wood combo.  But the more freely running paddle is most of.it.

I'm assuming you are talking about his mini Boatpaddle or what some call a shorty or do-dat?  Especially how you are talking about how it keekee's so easy bc that miniboat he's making right now fits your description.  Please post a pic.

Nope.  Not a Do-Dat or mini paddle.

Somewhere back along the way I had put "hen box" in quotes because I really do not know what Marlin called these calls.  They are basically a Cost-style hand-checkered box minus the spring and with a thinner paddle. 

I will get some pics up when I can.

[mgm1955]

My Watkins hen boxes have ALL the volume of a regular shortbox and then some.

One thing I find with the hen box is the ease of kee-keeing.   Now, a bit of that is wood combo.  But the more freely running paddle is most of.it.

I'm assuming you are talking about his mini Boatpaddle or what some call a shorty or do-dat?  Especially how you are talking about how it keekee's so easy bc that miniboat he's making right now fits your description.  Please post a pic.

Nope.  Not a Do-Dat or mini paddle.

Somewhere back along the way I had put "hen box" in quotes because I really do not know what Marlin called these calls.  They are basically a Cost-style hand-checkered box minus the spring and with a thinner paddle. 

I will get some pics up when I can.

Interested in seeing some pics of these calls.

[Will]

While I am very fond of Richards hen boxes if you like the way they play you must try one of his Turpin calls. Plays like a hen box but it doesn't have the handle. They are like the old Roger Latham boxes but play a lot better. They fit the palm of your hand just perfect and are easy playin'.

[strutnrut]

Thanks Will. This style of call are versitile. You can cant the lid inward, run it flat or cant the lid up and run the front of the call. Then you still have the option to apply pressure on the sides of the box an change the tone. You can apply more pressure on the lid and change the tone. You should be able to get raspy to clean yelps. I ould type on an on but i think y'all get the ideal.

[sixbird]

I have a few of Richards hen boxes, the full size ones and the mini's and his turpin style. Love all of them! They have a unique sound and they're fun to run. You can get plenty of different sounds from them and aesthetically, they're just gorgeous!
That, and Richard is a just plain nice guy...I like to patronize nice fellas.

[mgm1955]

A very realistic sound, all turkey and a type of call that isn't used by a lot of hunters that turkeys eat up. IMO if you don't have one in your vest you're missing out on a valuable tool!!