annegel Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 Hi all, We've had our 2 girls since last Sunday. They were 18 weeks when we bought them - so no eggs yet. We were advised to keep them in the run for about 6 - 8 weeks before we let them roam in the garden. What do you think about that? They seem quite nervous still and I wonder if letting them roam would help them to settle and feel more confident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 Gosh that does seem a long time to keep them inside the run. I was told to keep them in for 5 days (mine were also 18 weeks when I got them). After this time they got used to the idea that the run was a safety zone to go back to if they were out and got scared. Sometimes now if they're out in the garden and they hear a strange noise they'll scoot back to the run. I'm sure others will be along soon far more knowledgable than I to offer you some advice. Happy chook keeping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqualiv Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 I let mine out the day they arrived, and they have been fine. They are slightly older though as they are ex battery hens. As long as your garden is secure I don't see a problem Olivia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 I was told 5 days too! Sweetcorn will get them back in, scatter it in bits towards the entrance to the run and then into the runwhen thye are by the door and they will follow it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gooner.girl Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 I kept my original chickens in for 5 days and they were fine once let out. I kept my new 2 in for about 2 days and then let them out, they were fine though maybe copied original chicken in going back to the eglu. If they go into the eglu at night and your garden is secure - let them out! As Laura says 6-8 weeks is way to long! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annegel Posted October 27, 2006 Author Share Posted October 27, 2006 Thanks everyone - As its weekend coming up I think we might let them have a little look in the garden tomorrow - but will have to clip their wings first! Should we clip both wings or just one side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 I think you clip just one side so it makes them unbalanced in 'take off' - im sure i read that somewhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 I did just one wing on each of mine the first night I had them, mind you they'd have to go some to get over the 7ft fence. They can manage about 3ft but it's half jump half flap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I didnt bother with wing clipping, mine are 17 weeks and have been roaming in the garden for quite a while now. We have 6ft fence all the way around and no attempts to escape yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzy J Posted October 29, 2006 Share Posted October 29, 2006 I believe that you should clip just the one wing as someone above said it makes them off balance so they can not fly . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted October 29, 2006 Share Posted October 29, 2006 Yup. That's right. Unless you have white stars who seem to be the Olympic champions of flying with one wing clipped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annegel Posted October 30, 2006 Author Share Posted October 30, 2006 Thanks everyone for your advice. Betty and Bella have spent lots of time exploring the garden this weekend, but due to dark nights now they won't be able to explore again until next weekend. We clipped just one wing on each of them and they've stayed safely in the garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobeychicks Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 We have just bought our eglu and chiks 6 mths old. They have been in the run for a week and we plan to let them out this evening for a short while. They were out at their previous home. We have woods adjoining the garden and I am concerned about their return. They seem desperate to get out. Any tips?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 You might need to secure at least a part of your garden until they are used to coming back to you. I have trained mine so that they come when I whistle (it's useful with men too), that way they come charging up the garden, or into the run when I call them (much like men whne they hear the dinner being dished up). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annegel Posted November 7, 2006 Author Share Posted November 7, 2006 We were advised to introduce our chicks through the eggport and to leave them in for about an hour before letting them into the run. We did this and also kept the girls confined to their run for a week. Now if they're in the garden at dusk they just put themselves to bed! They seem to appreciate the cosy, safe eglu! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I never bothered clipping Mavis or Ednas wings and although they are relatively light breeds they have never tried to get out of the garden in the last 18 months despite there being areas where I am sure they could get out with a concerted effort. Today is Doris and Ritas' third day in the run and so far I have kept Mavis in with them to maintain the balance of power. Mavis is keen to get out and do her usual freeranging routine under the hedges. I can't quite remember how long I left Mavis and Edna in the run before letting them out to freerange - I have a feeling I couldn't wait a whole week. Mavis and Edna have always been very good at taking themselves off to bed so I am hoping the new girls will learn from Mavis and be just as good. I think I will let them out on Thursday or Friday. I don't like to speak too soon but so far they are all still getting on very well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
