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

[artemus]

Well, we couldn't put it off any longer. The local "backyard" poultry suppliers weren't answering the door at the weekend, so we scooted over to Leicestershire to get some from Merrydale Poultry.

 

We opted for a Ranger (Norma(n)) and a Sweetie (Jean). They were installed into the eglu late afternoon as was suggested on the forum and they seem to have settled in quite nicely. No tantrums as yet, although I get the feeling that Norma(n) is the boss. Maybe it was all sorted out in the car drive home?

 

The eglu door was left open overnight, but the run door locked, and this also appears to have caused no problems.

 

Their only excitement this morning was the appearance of one of the local cats. They squawked a bit and by the time I arrived cavalry-like, the cat had decided to vacate the garden We do have quite a community of cats in our area, but as a gardener I have never encouraged their presence in the garden, so hopefully they will continue to give us a wide berth I'd prefer that the girls weren't too vocal, and give the neighbours too much opportunity to complain, although a bit of egg-shaped bribery may assist when the girls start to produce

 

So far, so good (fingers crossed)

[Rhapsody]

Well done, and dont worry about cats, the chooks will see them off in no uncertain style!

[artemus]

Well done, and dont worry about cats, the chooks will see them off in no uncertain style!

Because they are still restricted to the run (and will be most of the time) they did look and sound a little stressed with the cat creeping up. And because of the kerfuffle I got a smidge stressed too Maybe its just new-parently concerns

[dippy bird]

don't worry too much, I have had mine for a few months and they still become vocal when Rio creeps up on them (I think she sees it as a game ), when they free range and she has a go, they turn on her and she soon runs off..

[Janty]

My cat kills anything and even he's petrified of the chickens, especially since the brahmas caught him!

 

[chick wiggle]

YAY New chooks, congratulations Id fear for tha cat if i were you!

[artemus]

Thanks for all the positive vibes chaps. Since no-one is at home today to perform cavalry duty, I guess we'll just have to wait and see if any of the neighbours pass comment

[artemus]

Well, yesterday evening we gave the girls a chance to stretch their legs and let them free range around the garden for an hour or so, and they appeared to really enjoy it. It has become clear that Norma(n) is the boss, with Jean happily bringing up the rear wherever Norma roamed

 

We must have had a visit from a cat during the day since there was a big pile of you-know-what in the middle of the lawn. Time to try the male urine trick that has recently been discussed methinks! We're not happy to let them free-range them all day because it was only the other week that a sparrow-hawk brought down a small bird into the garden before scooting off to devour it, no doubt.

 

Other than that little update, things appear to be going swimmingly

[Seagazer]

Do I take it that you're not sure if Norma(n) is a boy or girl? Or is it just because she is bossy? That's why one of my girls is called Butch

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the cat. My cat Dave catches lots of things and even caught a huge pigeon when he was a kitten. He sits and stares at them but the only time he attempted to stalk them they flapped madly at him and saw him off.

 

Enjoy your chickens

[artemus]

Do I take it that you're not sure if Norma(n) is a boy or girl?

 

No, we're quite happy that she's a girl, its just that when I picked her (the OH selected Jean) I got to name her, so I decided on 'Norman' in homage to the calf that the Billy Crystal character helps to give birth to in the film City Slickers

 

The OH, however maintains that she should be called Norma.... but does occasionally slip up

[JS1]

My brother's beagle "Ooops, word censored!" is called Norman. Long story (was named after a friend) ....does cause confusion, though

[Seagazer]

My brother's beagle "Ooops, word censored!" is called Norman. Long story (was named after a friend) ....does cause confusion, though

 

Thats so funny