umbrella thursday Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Well it's day five and our girls seem to have settled in nicely. They love sweetcorn and peas and have just about figured out how to take themselves to bed. I have a few more questions ... They seem to spend quite a bit of time in the eglu. Is this OK or does it mean they are unhappy. Sometimes I come out and they're scratching around happily but they do take themselves inside quite a bit. Is there any treat food I really shouldn't give them that will harm them? How do I post pictures of them? Lastly - I've been shutting the eglu door at night because I'm paranoid they'll get cold or a fox will get them. They have an eglu run - but we are away at the weekend and our neighbours will not be able to open the door one morning so we may have to get them to leave it open all night. Will the girls be safe? Sorry for all the questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol U Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Don't worry about the girls spending time in the eglu - you'll probably find they spend more and more time out the longer you have them. Also, they will be fine if you don't close the eglu door for a night. I never close mine unless there's a really heavy frost as the girls prefer to get up in their own time. On the subject of treats, if you stick to the sort of things a chicken might eat naturally, you won't go too far wrong, although it's OK to cook veg if they prefer them that way. Do bear in mind though that their pellets give them all the goodness they need, so only give treats in small quantities or you could find yourself with soft-shelled eggs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 The main things you shouldn't give them are: * raw potato * avocado (poisonous to parrots, so best to play it safe!) * meat from farm animals (because of the risk of cross-infection with salmonella) * anything fatty or salty Most other things are fine in moderation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I never close my Eglu doors. Make sure that the run is very securely weighed or fastened down and they will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 your girls will be fine with the door open for 1-3 nights if you go away, leave plenty of food and water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umbrella thursday Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 I never close my Eglu doors. Make sure that the run is very securely weighed or fastened down and they will be fine. Thank you all so much, you're so helpful. Egluntine, the run is pegged down with the run pegs so hopefully this should be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...