v2002brown Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Is it safe to let my 3 hens roam the garden after keeping them in a pen for 2 weeks? we have a yorkshire terries who dosnt care about the chickens being about and 2 very curious cats! wouldnt wont them to get hurt but id like to see the hens more free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 i have 8 cats and my 6 chickens have 99% free range unless i go out, the cats dont bother them, id say let them free range but whilst u supervising a couple times then u are aware what is the atmosphere around with the other animals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v2002brown Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 Thanks for that i will give it ago when hubbys around so ive got extra help i cant wait now! i hate seeing any animal being locked away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 then when they get the taste they dont want to stay in the run, here it was hail stoning etc today but they still wanted out, i thought they would be happy in run and coop as they got a roof on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 You've kept them in for two whole weeks - blimey! I couldn't wait to let mine out and see them pottering around the garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 You've kept them in for two whole weeks - blimey! I couldn't wait to let mine out and see them pottering around the garden Me too I managed to keep them in the run for 2 days and then just had to let them out Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I don't think the cats will be a problem, and presumably you are confident about the Yorkshire terrier (although bear in mind that he will view them differently when they are free-ranging, rather than in the run). It might be best to supervise a few times. Please, please don't underestimate the fox though - it may be that your Yorkie will deter any foxes from coming around, but that is the reason I don't ever let mine free-range without supervision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky1 Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Ditto the 'Foxy' - Re. cats and dogs. My chooks definitly have the 'upper hand' The chickens regularly chase my 2 cats and 2 dogs if any of them dare to go near their treats ! VERY funny to watch. Our little white chicken is the worst - a real bruiser ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v2002brown Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 sorry to sound stupid guys but what about flying off or getting on to the fencing and ending up next doors garden who wouldnt like that she wont return kids footballs let alone my pet hens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky1 Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 There wings will need to be clipped. I looked in a book the first time I did it. Omlet may have something about it on their info/guide section. This is relatively easy (after the first time) It needs to be done after each time that they molt. Although I tend to check mine every 4 months. only ONE wing needs to be done - this uts them off ballance. hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I'd clip their wings if you are worried about the bothering Her Nextdoor. I'd also supervise carefully for at least the first few times when the are out and the dog is around. The breed that seems to get the most mention on the forum for being horrible to hens is the Jack Russell I'm afraid. Terrier instinct I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v2002brown Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 waw cant believe how helpfull this site is its great when its all new. such great advice im very gratefull to you all thanks again and yes i will def supervice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Clipping their wings isn't difficult - you just need a sharp pair of kitchen scissors or some pet claw-clippers. You only have to clip about four or five feathers (the biggest ones at the tip) on one wing - the key is to hold the wing up to the light if you can, and not cut where you can see blood vessels in the shaft. That's about a third of the way along from the base, if I remember rightly, but the Omlet guide suggests only removing about 6cm. http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Chickens&cat=Chicken%20Care&sub=wing%20clipping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v2002brown Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 thanks ill take a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...