GreenGirl Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 It will be a week of settling in confinement for my girls at the weekend and I am keen to let them out and about. I was wondering what advice you had for this first outing, my first priority will be wing clipping. After that, should I just open the door and let them get on with it (watching closely), or let them into an enclosed area to start with? For a short time only? Also, how likely are they to be nosy, ie under fences etc, hatching escape plans and eating next doors prized flours? I have some omlet netting so I could enclose them in that to start with. Hopefully the tapping on their bowl with promises of treats will get them in again at the end of the day Thanks from a rather nervous (but excited) newbie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 I can't vouch for general behaviour as I am a bit of a newbie and only have two chooks myself. We started off by keeping them in the netting and keeping a fairly close eye on them. OH is very very protective and won't let them out unless he is down there and tells me off if I do let them out. I am a bit more relaxed. We have let them out into the whole garden but I do get a little nervous there as they could escape and it is often difficult to find them (we have lots of little copses.) Generally speaking, if they do hear me they will come running to investigate any treats. We have found that if they have been free ranging for a long time, they are not so peckish and not so keen to follow the treats back into the run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 hi i think it depends on how safe your garden is, i have a big garden but it has 5ft fence all around, they have never tried to escape. they will take themselves to bed when it gets dusk, it is often recommended to let them out later in the day so they are soon ready and take themselves off to bed, if you can hold out that long! good luck, hope the rain holds off sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
