Egluntyne Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 For the past 2 nights, Kentucky, who is the daftest friendliest hen in the universe won't go to bed. Whenever I go out to close the Eglu Doors she comes out crooning and chattering....the others are all snoring. On Friday night I lured her to the run door and caucht her and put her in the pop hole. Last night she wasn't having any and my cunning plan was foiled. We went out last night and when we got back at midnight, I tiptoed out ( as much as it is possible to tiptoe on crunchy snow) and out she came again. I tried everything but she wouldn't co-operate. I tried again at 1am and still no luck, so I'm afraid I had to leave her, and the others, with the Eglu door open. Was desperately worried as we have had fox prints in the snow...but I needed some kip! This morning they were all as large as life and delighted to see me when I went to open the door of the other Eglu. I'm afraid I was rather curt with her! I am assuming it is the noise of me trundling across the snow, plus the brightness, even at midnight, of light reflecting off the snow. I hope she gets out of the habit. How worried should I be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 Sounds like she's really making you run around after her Gwendoline does this too. It's worse if the run door is open too. You think that you have been super quiet and stealthy going across the garden to lock the door and then suddenly out sprints Gwen with her "watcha got for me, gimme some food" little cluckings! I now don't turn on the outside light when I go out (just use a torch), and I don't speak to her when she comes running out. She will go into the run if I stand near the door (although often a gentle push is required ). I shine the torch into the eglu through the egg hatch and then start speaking to her and generally she comes in.....and I shut the eglu door quick! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 11, 2007 Author Share Posted February 11, 2007 I now don't turn on the outside light when I go out (just use a torch), And I shine the torch into the eglu through the egg hatch and then start speaking to her and generally she comes in.....and I shut the eglu door quick! I use a torch...I even stumbled about in the pitch black last night! I've tried the torch /pop hole ruse, but ....no good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 Oh dear, hopefully there will be some other suggestions for you to try! [i went skidding across the garden in the mud last night (eat your heart out Torville and Dean ), I think Gwen really came out to see what her elegant, graceful owner was doing making all that racket! ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 You need a small child to send in. ( i did that first night) I do the treats then pop hole job with Peggy as she always comes running out if I go outside. No suggestions from though I'm afraid but if you work out a method let us all know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 My wee white chicken, Skye, likes to sleep outside. Some nights she's in the eglu,some nights she's out - but I've stopped trying to work her out now and leave her to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 11, 2007 Author Share Posted February 11, 2007 (edited) Gone to bed as good as gold tonight. They did play out for 3 hours today, whereas for the last few days because of the snow, they haven't had the chance, so I'm thinking that this combined with the noise of me crunching across the snow , and the light reflecting from it were collectively the causes of the problem. She is forgiven! Edited February 11, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 I was wondering how you would get on with her tonight Egluntine! Glad she has been a good girl for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 Mine did that once - I herded them in with a broom through the run door. Naughty little madams! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 How worried should I be? She'll be alright won't she Egluntine, as long as the run door is closed? It should be fox proof, and they're all wearing their duvets!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 11, 2007 Share Posted February 11, 2007 Yup, she'll be fine they shouldn't get cold and from a security point of view, as Kannie says; if the run door is secure they should be ok. I always leave the eglu door open at night during the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
