the hopefulls Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hi Everyone We had our girls and eglu delivered on saturday, and we think our girls are itching to get out and about, they are very good at going to bed (into the eglu from the run) at dusk, and we're wondering if this will still happen if we let them free range or will we have 2 chickens roaming all night? When they were delivered we were advised to leave them for 4 - 5 days in the run, then let them out, but we've only just started to stroke and pick 1 of them up as the other is still unsure about us. So do we leave it for a few more days? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 You're almost at 5 days already so I'd say go for it. I think I read advice that said to let them out late in the evening the first time so they aren't out too long before wanting to go to bed. My girls certainly knew where to go (I kept them in for 5 days). Good luck! Get those mealworms ready! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Mine found their way home too (even though they couldn't even manage to find the eglu in the run on the first night ) Just remember to keep an eye on them and leave the door open so they can get back in! (Sounds obvious but guess who found her chickens roosting on the ladder because the eglu door was closed........ ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChirpyChirpyCheepCheep Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hello. . . Our girls arrived on a Thursday and we let them out the following Sunday (4th day). I would say go for it! Do you have any mealworms or mixed corn you could use as a bribe? It works for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs P Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hi there, My chicks arrived on a Friday and I let them out on the Monday which was a little bit early but they were absolutely fine. Our garden isn't massive ( obviously its big enough for the two of them to have a good roam around) but if your garden is huge it might be better to give them a few more days to get used to their surroundings so that they know where bed is when you release them. Definitely have plenty of bribe food available. Mine go mad for jumbo porridge oats or sweetcorn. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleBoPeep Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 They'll love it. Its such fun watching them. Just be aware of foxes especially as the evenings are getting shorter. Keep forgetting to shut ours away and have to do it in the dark. They do go to bed on their own but gate needs locking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...