Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Mrs P]

Hi everyone!

 

I've posted a couple of times in the last week since I got my lovely little chickens but I just wanted my mind putting at rest!

 

On Fridays I have to work 8 til 6.30 and the chicks may or may not have my husband for a few hours in the morning to let them out of the run. Will they be okay in the run for the day if we're not around? After seeing them out and about in the garden, it seems so little for them.

 

Also should I keep them in the run in the mornings anyway - they haven't started to lay yet - is it a good idea to keep them in until late morning to get them into a routine for when they do lay?

 

I know I seem like an old mother hen(!) but I just want to do the best for them ( but I also don't want to have to search the undergrowth for eggs( when they eventually come!).

 

All advice gratefully received. Thanks Omleteers!

 

Sue

[Christian]

Hello Mrs P and welcome to the forum!

 

They will be fine confined to the run when you are out. Don't be fooled by the 'pacing up and down like a caged lion'. Mine do that too when they know I am watching.

 

It is a good idea to keep them in the run in the morning, so they fill up on pellets. They contain everything they need for good egg production and to keep them healthy. Most chickens are quite good at laying in the nest box, so don't worry to much about them laying in the bushes. When they learn where to lay, they normally carry on laying there.

 

I sometimes get the odd egg in their dust bath, but not often.

 

Will move this to the chicken section for you , so more people will see it

 

All the best

[Keanie Bean]

Hello Mrs P, welcome to the forum. Totally agree with Christian, they will con you into thinking they are in need of more space but be firm with them. The moment your back is turned they will just carry on fine in their run.

 

Sarah.x

[Lapinou]

Just adding another question to this thread as it's relevant...

 

do you need to make it fun for your chickens if they have to spend much time in the run? I seem to remember that my parents chickens got bored and started pecking eachother once they'd done away with the grass etc. but my parents' solution was to let them free range in their *massive* garden and that was fine, as there was always one of them or one of four teenagers around, but we won't have that luxury! Do we need to keep them amused when they're in the run a lot?

[Mrs P]

Thanks everyone

 

Now you mention it - I am sitting upstairs in my study with a good view of the little offenders and they are getting on with their daily pecking - not a care in the world. However, when I came back from my run at 7.30am they, especially Pep, were going bonkers to get out into the garden! Cunning little devils!

 

 

Thanks for putting my mind at rest - I'm a right worrier - my husband always says that I can worry about having nothing to worry about!

 

I can now go about my daily business without WORRYING that they're ok in their lovely little run.

 

Lots of chicken love,

 

Sue

[Gamebird]

Just adding another question to this thread as it's relevant...

 

do you need to make it fun for your chickens if they have to spend much time in the run? I seem to remember that my parents chickens got bored and started pecking eachother once they'd done away with the grass etc. but my parents' solution was to let them free range in their *massive* garden and that was fine, as there was always one of them or one of four teenagers around, but we won't have that luxury! Do we need to keep them amused when they're in the run a lot?

When mine had to be confined to their run I put a *pecka block* in which kept them occupied for hours (once they've worked out what to do with it )

 

They are quite big (7" long and 3" diameter) and lasted for about 2 to 3 weeks.