Unsecure chicken perches

[westie mum]

We have had our Eglu and chickens since Wednesday and am a little concerned because they don't spend a lot of time out of the Eglu in the day.If I walk up the garden and chat to them (as you do!) they will come out but as soon as I go back in the house they go in the Eglu and stay there.They will come out early evening but then don't want to go to bed although last night I did put a blanket over the run and they went to bed about 9.45. So are they just settling in and should I be making them go to bed or should I just leave them and let them go of their own accord. The reason I like them to go to bed is I shut the Eglu door and I like to be in bed myself by 10.30! Thursday the little madams didn't go until 10.45!

[chicken bark]

I'm sure they are just getting their bearings. Presumably they have shelter in the run from the sun/rain?

Maybe you could hang a cabbage or something in the run to encourage them to be in it more.

 

Mine are currently going to bed about 10 - it depends how light it is. At least you won't have too many more late nights - after the 21st the days will be drawing back in.

[Olly]

They are just settling in, and a bit shy and nervous - they'll soon change and will be charging up to the bars of the run the minute they see you! It's a good opportunity to get them used to coming to you when you call - while it's best not to feed too many treats, especially while they are settling in, try calling them (I usually say 'chook, chook') and sprinkle a handful of sweetcorn or similar in the run. Then by the time you let them out, they will be used to returning when you call, and it'll be easier to get them back in the run.

[Nicho]

When we got our first three they did exactly the same. They soon got over it and spend all day out. We got another three a few weeks ago and we thought they would copy the others and stay out. They didn't, they stayed almost permenantly in the Eglu for the first couple of weeks, but are now starting to settle in and are out most of the day.

 

I am sure that they'll soon settle and you'll soon start enjoying them all the more. We were also suprised at how long it took before they were all laying. I thought point of lay hens meant they would be ready to start laying when we got them home.

[tokenwelshman]

At least you won't have too many more late nights - after the 21st the days will be drawing back in.

 

Cheery thought!!!!

[sadietoo]

At least you won't have too many more late nights - after the 21st the days will be drawing back in.

 

Cheery thought!!!![

 

yes I can't wait

[blackgold]

we had our OMLET girls for 8 weeks before they started to lay xxx

[westie mum]

Result last night. Went up to the girls after the footie had finished and told them it was bedtime! Waited for about 5 minutes and they all toddled off to bed which resulted in me being able to clean out the run and be in bed for 10 o'clock Hopefully tonight will be the same. Just a bit concerned today as the neighbour from hell has got his music blaring and not sure whether it will upset them. Perhaps I'm being over protective!

[chicken bark]

At least you won't have too many more late nights - after the 21st the days will be drawing back in.

 

Cheery thought!!!![

 

yes I can't wait

 

Sorry - I didn't mean to depress everyone.

 

Glad they were well behaved for you last night. As for neighbours I think we've all had our share of inconsiderate ones. Luckily I think hens are far more forgiving.