Calamity Jane Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Can anyone help me please ? I am new to chickens and have got 3 Light Sussex hens, they are still quite young, about 14 weeks. They seem to have settled in to their eglu mark 1 very well but at night they have to be forced into the eglu house. They would prefer to sleep outside in the run - my question is this IS THIS SAFE ? WE HAVE A FOX THAT VISITS REGULARLY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hi, try shining a light into the eglu as darkness falls. Chances are they'll follow it and you can quickly shut the door. If so, after a couple of nights you'll come out and they'll have put themselves to bed. Good luck, Tara. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes55 Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I would worry about leaving mine out of the Eglu at night as it's always a worry with foxes. I know the run is supposed to be fox proof but I remember the first night we had our ex batts and one of them decided she wanted to sleep right in the corner of the run and she actually laid right up against the side with one of her feet through the wire. I'm sure if a fox had come along he could have harmed her as she was so up against the sides. I would go with Tara's advice and try using a torch and if that doesn't work just try using something like a soft broom and try and shoo them into the Eglu. They will get used to it and put themselves to bed at night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullett Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 The first night I had mine 2 went to bed and 2 stayed out. I tried the light method and the broom method but no luck. Didn't go to bed until 2.30am! In the end I left the coop door open all night without issue. After a few nights they all went to bed by themseleves. They just need to know it's home. I normally close the door but if away overnight I leave it open and no problems so far. My run is very flat on the ground though and I've not seen any fox evidence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Jane Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 Thanks everyone - wasn't sure if this forum worked or not. I shall continue to shoo them in every night until they get the message. I was not happy about leaving them out because I know Mr Fox comes every night, he has even dug a hole where the run was on the first night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
