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

[sti chick]

We brought our hens home on sat, yesterday we encouraged them outside into the run, which they seemed fine at first then would go inside and seemed reluctant to go back out again, and today they are doing the same thing. is it due to it being january and a bit chilly?

Also was told not to feed them any treats until they start laying? is that right......seems mean to me. Collecting the eggs and giving the girls treats is what we can't wait for

 

lin

[chickenanne]

New hens, good for you!!!

I don't think you need to worry about their reluctance to get out of bed.... tehy're probably just settling in. Keep an eye on them, though just in case (am sure you will want to anyway!).

As for feeding treats: go for it! I don't see any reason to wait till they've started laying. Just be sure that they eat their pellets... giving treats is a bit like giving children sweeties: they have to eat their dinner still!

[Mazzarina]

I'm not an expert, but I'd say it sounds normal - they're probably just a bit timid. Mine were reluctant to come out at first, but soon got pluckier when they became used to the new sights and sounds of my back garden.

I gave mine treats (best in the afternoon) from day one, before they started laying. And it's a nice way of enticing them into the run and gaining their confidence. Once they feed from your hand, they become easier to look after and handle. So I say enjoy it!

[BarbaraJ]

yes agree with others treats are fine but save them for late afternoon so they get plenty of pellets.

[sti chick]

oh i'm pleased you all said treats are fine....thank you. My son shane will be very pleased to be able to give them a treat after school.

 

lin

[mostin]

Remember what their characters are like now as they'll be knocking you down for treats and breaking down the door to get out in a few weeks . It's just the settling in period. Afternoon treats are good to gain their trust, and also good for getting them back into the run, once they get their confidence.

[Egluntyne]

They will just be nervous and timid.

 

I wouldn't overdo the treats or it will slow down their laying. I'd just give one in the late afternoon as has already been said.

 

Use it to lure them back into the run when they start free ranging.

[sti chick]

well its now day 5 and they still seem to prefer their house . i put their food outside to encourage them to go and first thing yes they all went out....had breakfast and a drink and went back indoors! Not sure what to do about the food and grit do i put some indoors as well as the run? there is clean water in both the house and the run so i'm not worried about that.

Am i just being a complete impatient twit and worrying for nothing but with 12 hens i did jump in the deep end i think........ooer what have i done

 

lin

[sti chick]

only about 15 mins after posting my concerns on here i decided to pay my girls another visit. instead of going to the house and opening the door to see them i went to the run and called them and 9 of them came straight out and are still out now . result!

 

lin

[Ygerna]

How lovely that they came when you called them

[sti chick]

Well what can i say....they are like different chickens. Since posting on here at lunchtime in my panic , they have totally changed . They now respond when you call them and have been outside for most of the afternoon. so i guess yes i was being a panicking twit lol

 

lin

[evochick]

They all probably came out, because they knew Mark was at work!

[hennymom]

our hens were a bit reluctant at first, but we put cornflakes into a plastic bottle and shook it loudly and guess what 6 great big girls came blundering up the garden to us.. it was hilarious watching them running and tripping in their haste to get to me 1st.... try it...it's such fun to watch...they come every time now!

[mostin]

So glad to hear they are finding their feet

[sti chick]

They all probably came out, because they knew Mark was at work!

 

Work............whats that then