[norfolkgrog]

We got our exbats last Saturday, we have managed to get them eating,drinking but the problem is they dont want to stay outside in there run area, which is a 1/4 of an allotment.
when we open the door of a morning they all come out have a drink then go back in to the coop, there seems to be about 2 or 3  of the 6 that seem happy to be outside, but the others stay in, but they seem to be in more than out, is this normal? or should we lock them out for the day?
The other thing is oyster shell ok for them  or should we get grit as well, I am currently mixing a bit of oyster shell with there food at the moment  as they are not getting out in the run.

[woodside farm]

I would lock them out of the house for a day, When I first got some ex battery hens they where really confused by sunlight, but their craving for food soon got them over it.

[nnbreeder]

Keep the oyster shell in a seperate container. The layer feed has extra calcium in it and by adding it to the feed they could get too much. As far as the grit goes yes I would also keep it in a seperate container.

 It will take time for the girls to get used to their freedom. a chicken is a creature of habit and with an ex batt. they think they belong inside. After all that is all they have known.

[norfolkgrog]

Hi thanks for quick response we do have the oyster shell in a separate container outside but we are new to chicken keeping and we was worried as there crops seemed big to us, not that we know what size there crops should be 
I'll get some grit on monday and lock them out for the day see what happens
Thanks
Vernon

[Hawkins]

Personaly I wouldnt lock them out they are already stressed enough by the changes and if they feel they cant get into a place of safety it may make them feel worse. My ex-bats (I have 12) took 3 weeks to come out of the shed and even today on a hot day only 2 were out they dont seem to like full sun but when it gets a bit cooler they all come out.

It just takes time. dont worry I think it normal.

Yes to grit and oyster shell but in seperate containers.

Good luck

[norfolkgrog]

Should I put there food out as well or leave them to scavenge..

[Hawkins]

put the food out but in sight not too far away, they cant resist.

[bunch29]

Mine took a while to adjust just give them a little time, now they are hardly in the coop but I do put their food and water just outside the coop door.

They will soon get into a routine and week by week they get there instincts back which is great to watch. When mine first started trying to lay in the sun in a dust bath it was really funny they tentatively half layed on one side side  as if they were thinking 'is this the way I do it' now they are completely sprawled.

It does take them time they have lived a horrible life but they will look fab in a couple of months.

good luck

[Rubellite]

Hi. Did you get yours from Little Hen Rescue?
I collected mine last Sunday and by Monday they were coming in and out.
My problem was getting them to go in when the weather turned nasty
They have completely got the hang of it now. I take their food out of the coop in the morning and place it underneath. This probably helped like the others say.
Good luck.

[norfolkgrog]

Thanks for all your advice I'll try a different tact.

Vern.