When should I let them out and about?

Amy6 · « **on:** June 16, 2010, 17:05 »

I've had my four young ladies for two weeks now and they seem very happy, two laying at the moment and 10 eggs so far!
They have a coop and run, although I won't let them out all day, due to foxes etc.
When can I let them out for a run round the garden? I was advised around a month but it does seem a long time...
Any advice on this? Am worried they'll just run off!!

joyfull · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2010, 17:13 »

they should be fine now and if in any doubt give them some corn or whatever treats you give them back in their run when you want them to go back in

Amy6 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2010, 17:21 »

Brilliant! Thank you, my daughter is desperate to see them running free!
Tomatoes seem to be the favourite although not as easy to nosily shake as corn!!

Jeanette · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2010, 17:31 »

It should be ok to let them out now but please keep a look out for the foxes. I lost 6 chickens in the middle of the day to a fox.

Amy6 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2010, 17:42 »

oh no, sorry to hear that, I do worry about the fox.
I was thinking initially letting them out for about an hour before dusk (while i'm watching!)
I have a delightful neighbour who likes to feed the foxes....

Tazzy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2010, 22:07 »

You might find it more entertaining to let them out after they've laid - earlier in the day when they are more active. You will need to watch them so carefully as they are brilliant at finding the smallest hole in a fence or your most precious delicate plants - which will be no more!

Try having a piece of bread with you and breaking small pieces off to encourage them to come to you when you call. If you hold onto the bread instead of throwing it for them they will soon learn to come when called like little dogs, and it is so funny to watch a chicken derby as they race for a treat

joyfull · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2010, 07:30 »

please don't feed dry bread to birds - it swells up in their stomachs

chuckmad · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2010, 12:59 »

If they are anything like my hens, they will follow any kind of a bucket. They just assume whatever is in there is for them. One of these days i'm gonna let them know whats in there .......their own poo

Watch out for dogs too.
Best of luck, its great to see them up to their own antics

Amy6 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2010, 14:28 »

Thanks all!

Do have a staffie, but she goes from being excitable around them to showing no interest at all, will keep her in when I first let them out I think...

When should I let them out and about?

Amy6

When should I let them out and about?

joyfull

Re: When should I let them out and about?

Amy6

Re: When should I let them out and about?

Jeanette

Re: When should I let them out and about?

Amy6

Re: When should I let them out and about?

Tazzy

Re: When should I let them out and about?

joyfull

Re: When should I let them out and about?

chuckmad

Re: When should I let them out and about?

Amy6

Re: When should I let them out and about?