Sooo much pooping

[karena]

Please can I call on the wonderful expertise on the forum again

 

So, my hens had their first night last night. I had put them a branch across the run for them to perch on in general. When I went out to check on them late last night, Em had put herself to bed in the nesting box, but Millie and Ava were asleep on the branch in the run. So, questions...

 

Is it OK to let them sleep in the run on the branch if they would like to?

Should I remove the branch at night for the time being so they get the idea of the Eglu?

Is it OK to leave the Eglu door open so they have the option of going back in off the branch if they decide to?

 

They have all been in the Elgu at points, so they know they can.

 

And, although I know one can never know for sure, I don't think we have a big fox problem. Rarely seen one or heard one, bin bags left out are very very rarely pulled apart. Also we have pegged down the run, and put bricks round, and the area they are in is framed with wood that I couldn't get up without some major effort so I don't think the fox issue in this equation is a big one.

[Egluntyne]

Some of mine sleep on perches in the run at the moment, and all my run doors are left open, even in winter.

 

I have made things as secure as I possibly can and prefer the freedom it gives the hens to get up and go to bed by themselves.

[karena]

Thanks Eglutyne. Last night they all trotted off into the house. I don't know whether they came out later or not but it shows they do know if they do want to be inside.

[quickcluck]

Once it's dark they wont change their sleeping place, mine change their minds most nights, so it's always a surprise who's sleeping in or out!

 

The only troubles I have are if they get startled early in the mornings and they are shouting at the top of their voices to let me know something is amiss!