Chicken boarders

[reggiep]

We bought two new chickens today, we were advised from the breeder to lock the two new girls in the eglu as soon as we got them home and then once it is dusk put nellie our old chicken in with them..

 

We have done that now, so far so good they are all happy together roosting in the eglu. Have been nipping out every ten mins to check up on them.

 

Now in the morning the breeder said let them all out of eglu. Do we keep all three of them in the run or should we let them free range, I think she said free range.

 

Can anyone give me any suggestions please.

 

Claire

[Ain't Nobody Here]

If you're around to supervise, I'd recommend freeranging. That way the newbies can escape if need be . If you have a water pistol or plant sprayer they can be handy for giving a quick blast if there's any bullying .

[reggiep]

Thank you for your reply 'aint no body here'

 

Claire )

[Olly]

I agree, free range them if you can (but do supervise). You may find that after a night together, they get on fairly well so just keep an eye on them. The odd bit of pecking is normal, as they establish the pecking order, so don't worry if there's the occasional squawking and pecking on the back of the neck - that's normal. Just make sure no actual injury is being inflicted.

[poachedegg]

Can definitely recommend the water pistol/sprayer method!

[3happyhens]

It was very interesting to read all that .... I got two new chickens a week ago after we were left with only one after a fox attack I left them in the run/Eglu all week with Flo, our survivor, so that they got to know where "home" was (thought that was what Omlet recommended) I let them out to free-range for the 1st time yesterday afternoon under strict supervision (fox still coming around in the evenings). They all seem fine together, and will eat together out of the treat bowl quite happily now.

 

Bluebell 15.3.10

Daisy 15.3.10

Flo 15.7.08 5.8.08

RIP Nell 13.3.10

RIP Gertie 13.3.10