Rolo Rabbit Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 We're hoping to let the girls out for their first free range at the weekend (if we can seal all the escape routes in time) but I'm beginning to wonder if this will change their personalities. At the moment they're all reasonably calm and quiet and we haven't heard a peep from them in the mornings. Is it possible that letting them out to free range for the odd hour or two each day will make them dissatisfied with their run and start them hollering to be out all the time?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 They will probably be wary at first when let out, but will enjoy the freedom. Mine are out most days, but when we are both at work overnight for a couple of days they are locked in the run. They don't make noise as such, but will pace the run and make me feel guilty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Mine are quite happy pottering about in the run all day - they only do the "let me out/ desperation act" when they know they're being watched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Rabbit Posted March 13, 2008 Author Share Posted March 13, 2008 That's good to know, thank you. I can't wait to see them in the garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I think that if you make the mistake of letting them out to free range as soon as they get up you could end up making a rod for your own back. If I were you I'd keep them in the run till lunchtime-ish and then let them out in the afternoon. They will get accustomed to this pattern. They will of course guilt trip you by pacing up and down if they catch sight of you.....but don't waver!! At first they will be timid about free ranging and won't wander too far....but after a few weeks there will be no stopping them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Another thing that I've found helps is to only feed treats in the run. That way they come to associate being in the run with getting treats, so they have one less reason to want to be let out. Until the last week or so, the only time I could let them out was in the morning, as they were in bed by the time I got back from work, but I always make them wait until it's properly light, even if they come out of the eglu as soon as the dawn chorus starts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I keep mine in the run until around 1.00pm when they are let out to freerange. Somehow they know what time it is and start pacing and fretting at around midday. When they are put back about 3 hours later they are perfectly happy pottering and scratching around in the run until bedtime. I agree that having some sort of freeranging routine works best. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 mine free range every day. However even when we are home we open the eglu door at 7am and then we dont let them actually out to free range until 9.30-10ish that way I know they have eaten their pellets before being released!! They stay in the garden then till 5pm and as soon as summer comes they will have much longer days....yippee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Rabbit Posted March 13, 2008 Author Share Posted March 13, 2008 Great handy hints - thanks everyone.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
