Prolapsed vent - am I getting it right?

[daisymay]

Hi

 

Got my eglu today and planned to get chickens in week or so but couldn't wait so now have 3! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get them in the eglu? I was told to shine a torch in there but although very interested they don't want to go inside at all.

 

I was trying to get them in as it started raining heavily and didn't want them to get wet. No luck though and luckily the rain has stopped. Just out of interest are they ok if get a bit wet? I have got the shade up but as all still a novelty being outside I don't think they knew how to shelter!

 

Have given them layers, garlic powder and some chicken spice. Do I need to get anything else as a matter of urgency or am I on track?!!

 

Horrayyyyy they are finally here

 

[nursechick]

The chap from omlet advised me not to put food in for the first hour so that they could get used to their surroundings and that when it started to get dark they would take themselves off to bed.I followed the instructions and they investigated the eglu at their own pace and then when I did put the food in they ate a hearty tea and went to bed as good as gold.Chickens know to roost when it gets dark so you shouldn't have a problem.As for getting wet we have the winter cover over which keeps them very dry but I have noticed that in really bad weather they sit in the Eglu.When they are free rangeing they don't seem to mind getting wet or they would go back in doors. You will find they are incredably quick learners. Enjoy your new girls.

[daisymay]

Thanks for your speedy reply. I just got v excited as I thought they'd gone in but not yet. I did put food in straight away as thought that was the right thing to do...never mind. The have been more interested in pecking the grass so have had a pretty good explore! I've got a torch to hand so will pop down when a bit dark and see what they're up to! Fingers crossed!

[BarbaraJ]

Do't worry this early in the evening, they probably won't go to bed till at least 8.30 if not later when its near dusk normally. If they havent gone by 9 maybe try the torch then or someone suggested gently moving them in with a broom handle through side of run. my run was easier as i could walk into it so picked them up and put them in the first night, didn't need to after that thank goodness

[FORENSICA]

I usually throw a handfull of corn and you should see the speed how they run home The very first day, they did not know what the corn was for, but since then, that is the fastest method how to get them all in

 

I think that you should not worry, they are surely going to go to the eglu by themselves.

[Phosphorus]

Mine went at 8.34 to 9pm the first night. Now they tend to go about 8pm. Took them a while the first night to work out the Cube ladder

 

Use the torch trick if they still haven't gone after dusk should do the trick.

 

Congrats on your girls.

[munchkin]

I was worried about this to - but they just seem to know to go to bed. To get them in the run (when they have been freeranging) I tempt them with dried meal worms - they love them, they run straight into the run, when it gets dark they are straight to bed

[daisymay]

Went out to check them about 9 and the good girls had gone to bed. My husband is truly converted and is telling me how clever they are going on their own!

[nursechick]

Did you have a peek though the egg port to see them? Our two girls snuggle up real close...ah.

[SharonX]

My delivery guy from Omlet put the food in straight away & never mentioned waiting. They were ready for a bite to eat from there journey I think. It's amazing how they just go off to bed without any worries. You wait til you get your first egg & see how exciting that is

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Congratulations on your new chickens, Snowman . I wouldn't worry, they seem to get the hang of what the eglu & other bits are for quite quickly - they're not as daft as they look (just as well, really ).