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

[suzie72]

We are very sad as we lost our two lovely chickens the other day. We were sitting outside with friends well into the evening and our free ranging chickens put themselves to bed, which is a first as we haven't ever sat outside long enough so have always got them back in ourselves. Horror of horrors we just forgot to shut the run door as it was so dark and just didn't think about it. The next morning one was on the grass and the other had been taken, kindly delivered back to us the next morning. It was horrible and we had a quick clear up job before the children went outside. I was so upset and couldn't believe how attached I'd become in a short time. Those foxes are dreadful and I am so angry with them for not taking them both as food, at least then there'd be some purpose to it. It was such an insult when the second one was brought back the next day.

 

Anyway, we now have two more chickens who are very young (not quite sure but am guessing about 16 weeks) and they never want to come out of the eglu house. We got them from a well know farm around us and had been kept in a large, indoor run, but I have to force them out of the house so that they will eat. I am also concerned about one in particular as she seems to cough/sneeze every now and again, but I'm not really sure if it's anything to worry about as it's very sporadic. They are both healthy looking and are pooing ok, if a little runny, but I'm not happy with the fact that they don't want to come out. Even this morning, after the door being shut all night, they didn't come out and I had to push them out the door so that they would eat and drink. As soon as they are out they eat and drink ok but today I decided to keep the door shut all day to see if they seemed happy outside. They sat down a lot of the time but did eat and peck around a bit.

 

I'd be so grateful for any advice as we are really worried.

 

Thanks

[Dave36]

Hi there, hey listen i am no expert by any means and sure someone will come along and give you real advice, but at about 16 weeks old they are young, i have one of about the same age and she is a bit timid and likes to rest a lot, im sure they will get used to there surroundings and start to come out more often. I personally dont think you are doing wrong by making them come out although if they get spooked and there door is shut they have know where to run and hide? as for the sneezing i know theydo get colds so maybe thats what it is .like i say someone will be along with some good advice and put you at ease.

[Sandychick]

I'm no expert either but it sounds like they are just getting used to their new surroundings. It must all look a bit odd to them if they haven't been outside before! How many days have you had them?

 

Sounds like they might have a bit of a cold which would make them feel a bit less adventurous. Citricidal is supposed to be good for colds but I haven't actually tried it. It might make them feel a bit happier.

[suzie72]

Thanks for that - I've just ordered some of that stuff to help with colds so hopefully it'll all be cleared up. Thanks for the advice

[Faye&Ant]

Hi Suzie,

 

They just need a little time to get used to their surroundings, and im sure they will venture a bit further each time. When we got ours, they spent the first week all huddled together not daring to move. As long as they have food and water, they will be fine. Try spending some time near them so they get used to your voice etc.

 

As for the coughs/sneezes, my little one has a sneeze every now and then, some citricidal in the water may help, but you shouldn't worry too much unless its gets worse (ie a real snotty sounding sneeze)

 

So sorry to hear about our other hens, that must have been a nasty shock for you.

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on