sezra Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 I have just been outside to chat to the girls and tell them they were going to be free ranging this afternoon when suddenly Jenny (Goldline) makes a strange low gurgly noise. They all freeze as if they have seen something really scarey like a fox or something. I couldn't see what they were looking at! Then Jenny did a large poo! Nice! After standing frozen a bit longer she then decided to walk off and they all carried on as if nothing had happend. Then she sat down! Any ideas?? She is not laying yet. I was just surprised by the way they all froze and the strange noise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Sounds like she raised the alarm! Mine do that and freeze when they see the cat and also if something big like a seagull or crow files overhead. Could it have been that?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honorandkit Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 We've got a daft cat that follows us wherever we go. If he apporaches the run, our girls do the same thing - funny warning noises, necks stretched as high as possible and invariably one poos (probably from fear!!) We've just let our FR for the first time and they jumped and flapped at every little noise - especially wild bird chirrups and birds flying over the garden. They settled down after about half an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sezra Posted June 11, 2010 Author Share Posted June 11, 2010 Sounds like she raised the alarm! From what you have both said it sounds like an alarm call. I couldnt see anything but obviously somethung had spooked her. At least I will know if it happens again. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honorandkit Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 How did your girls get on FR? Did you have any trouble get them back in the run? Ours have been out 4 or 5 times today - now they realise what's beyond the run, they make a dash for it every time I open the run door!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sezra Posted June 11, 2010 Author Share Posted June 11, 2010 How did your girls get on FR? Did you have any trouble get them back in the run? It all went well thanks! I was surprised how close they stayed to the run initially but they soon ventured a bit further. It was lovely watching them explore, I did have to stop my children from chasing them round but to be honest the hens seemed quite good at ignoring them! I noticed that one of the younger ones took the opportunity to stay in the run and feed in peace! Probably glad that Bossy Betty was out of the way! They all went back in fine, probably glad to get away from the kids! Think I might join them! Glad your FR went ok, its good fun keeping chickens isn't it? Sometimes I still cant believe I have chickens in my back garden!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honorandkit Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 I'm laughing, Sarah - at one point, I threatened to lock my children in the run and leave the chickens in peace to FR! And yes, it does seem totally surreal - we have chickens in our garden...real, live chickens! (I still feel a bit like an imposter, pretending to keep chickens ) I could watch them all day - they all have such diffferent characters and seeing them together is like watching a group of gossipy women...plenty of flapping and fussing and shoving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sezra Posted June 11, 2010 Author Share Posted June 11, 2010 I could watch them all day - they all have such diffferent characters and seeing them together is like watching a group of gossipy women...plenty of flapping and fussing and shoving. I know what you mean! I have just bought a patio storage box to keep all my chicken feed and bits and bobs in. It is next to their run so doubles up as a convenient seat to sit and watch them from! Not that I get much time to just sit and watch the chickens! I like your idea of locking the children in the run to give the chickens some peace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
