4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[choppish]

Obviously it probably depends on their personalities, but how easy is it to change a routine for the hens.

 

I work shift days and night. So sometimes i'm at home for 12 days at a time so they get a lot of attention and are let out fairly promptly to free range etc, and get their treats at night.

 

however when i'm on days and nights they are just in their run all day and soemtimes might not get any treats either.

 

When i am off shift they start cooing to be let out a lot and even bok occasionally. My question after this rambling is how quickly will they adapt to when i'm not about as much when working/routine shaken up?? Other half is still about to feed and water them althoguh she deosn;t like to have much to do with them.

[beach chick]

chances are they associate YOU with the good things in life...

mine arent particularly cuddly, but they come rushing to me and follow me around if they possibly can, but everyone else in the family is treated with a certain amount of disdain.

so I think as long as they are fed and watered when you are not around, they'll be fine, just even more pleased to see you!

[Abbey Road Girl]

I would pretty much agree with beachchick. Critters tend to like a routine, but if you don't want to be locked into a routine, why set up expectations?

 

I began by going out into the garden from time to time without speaking to my hens. Got them used to me being there but so what? And yet I did appear with a treat bowl and did let them out of the run. But sometimes I just seemed to be there.