andymospit Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Had my chooks a week now, kept them in the run for 5 days as instructed. I'm trying to let them out of the run as often as I can to freerange, but when I do they seem reluctant to come out of the run and explore the garden. Is this normal behaviour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minky Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Totally! Mine were very untrepid at first . . . . . . and even when they did go out they didn't go far! But now I spend half my time getting Hilda back from next door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 It took mine about a week of short free ranging episodes to go more than a couple of metres from the run. Once your hens find their confidence there'll be no stopping them! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 yes its entirely normal. In the beginning you think they are quite boring! Just wait for a while and they'll be in your borders and tapping on your back door before you know it!! And once they start laying they will eat for England! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 That's right, they will still be a bit timid. And it is so cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Totally normal. Mine spent their first week under the raspberry bushes next to the eglu. They will gradually go further and further from the run until they're exploring the whole garden. Then, they'll cause such chaos that you'll wish they'd stayed at home! Every job you do in the garden, they'll be "helping"!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...