[CLARE SWANN]

Hello fellow chicken fans!

I am the proud new owner of three 21 week old RIR pullets - April, May and June!
My intention is to let them roam free around the garden by day - they have a cosy coop to retire to at night. I had thought they would be OK to go and explore by day three - but a week into ownership I am a little nervous of letting them out just yet as they are still rather nervous. I am frightened they run away!! One is definitely dominant and one rather subservient - I want the quiet one to have a break from the other two!!
Any advice on when the right time is to let them go  - I would be most grateful! I really am very keen to make them happy hens as quickly as possible - I hate seeing them restricted space wise.

[Jellyhead]

I would have thought that they know where bed is now so they shouldnt run away. Can they get to the coop if they want to once you have let them out? I might be wrong tho cos I have mine in a huge pen so have never had to worry.

[richyrich7]

Hi Clare welcome to the forums  

You could always clip their wings, it don't hurt them and will stop them flying up to high if that worries you. But let them out with you in the garden for a start so you can keep an eye on them. They soon learn where home is  

[Vember]

Hi Clare

Welcome to the Hen House

Can't really add much, it is amazing how quickly they learn where home is
I wing clip any flighty new hens, but only the once by the time they re -grow they know whats what

Pop over to chicken chat with photo's of your girls, we can't get enough of seeing photo's

Sarah

[Sassy]

Sorry I am being really thick but can't see how to get to 'chicken chat'  :roll:  :roll:

[Aunt Sally]

Sorry I am being really thick but can't see how to get to 'chicken chat'  :roll:  :roll:

It's just one of our forums

Click Here

[mother hen]

From this page go to top, click on home and then on forums and you are in the hallway! Happy chatting

[CLARE SWANN]

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR ADVICE - I MAY CLIP THEIR WINGS, BUT TO BE HONEST I FELT THAT THEIR ABILITY TO FLY IS A GOOD MEANS OF SELF DEFENSE AGAINST ROGUE DOGS ETC.
I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS - SUNDAY IS THE DAY WHEN I AM OUT IN THE GARDEN - WILL LET THEM EXPLORE THEN!!
CLARE :?

[3Bluebelles]

We had our chickens for 2 weeks before being brave enough to let them out in the garden because I was convinced I would never get them back in, but food does it every time! I only have to walk into the penned area rattling their tin of corn, or bang a spoon on a bowl, and they are there like a shot! In fact they follow me up and down the garden in the hope of a treat all the time.

Food is definitely the way to their hearts (and their loyalty!)

Jacky.

[Hawkins]

Mealworms work for my girls when they are reluctant to go back in or it is bed time.

Em

[smiler43]

Welcome Clare, you'll find everyone is friendly here and lots of advice.

We let ours out on the first day after they'd been in the shed a few hours, my garden is quite secure as we have a dog.  We put them back into the shed when it started going dark.  They were absolutely fine, found their own way after that.

[CLARE SWANN]

My days as a chicken owner have been short lived!!
Let the girls out yesterday as planned - they loved it! Had previously warned neighbours with dogs to be extra vigilant, dog from next door got in and took one of them! They had been out only 4hrs. Can't find her anywhere!!! Can't live wondering if this will happen again, so I have given the two remaining to a neighbour with a secure paddock. They can at least live the natural life I had wanted for them - I never intented to keep them in a run!

I am envious of you all - just wanted to live alongside animals that brought something to the table -to show my little one how happy animals that provide can be!!!
Enjoy them!
Clare

Welcome Clare, you'll find everyone is friendly here and lots of advice.

We let ours out on the first day after they'd been in the shed a few hours, my garden is quite secure as we have a dog.  We put them back into the shed when it started going dark.  They were absolutely fine, found their own way after that.

[3Bluebelles]

Hi Clare,

I am soooo sorry! I do really feel for you. It's a responsibility keeping any animal and providing a good life for them, but please don't feel badly. I'm sure you gave them the best life you could in the time you had them, and life is not always safe, things happen that you can't always control.

I know it's not easy now, but I really wouldn't let it stop you keeping them again in future.

I worry every time mine go out in the garden, but I weigh up the peace of mind of keeping them shut up against the real enjoyment they get when foraging in the garden. At the end of the day I would prefer to take some risks to give them a better life.

All the best and good luck for the future.

Jacky. X

[woodburner]

It's always the owners responsibility to keep animals in, (rather than keeping other peoples' animals out). So if the neighbours' dog came into your garden and got the chook it is their fault. i.e. If it comes to it you could take them to court.

I'm not sure who the best people to advise might be. The council's EHO is probably a good place to start. (Environmental health department.)

[smiler43]

awww that's so sad Clare.  Can't you make the garden secure, it's such a shame you have to go without chickens in your life because of others.