Used Omlet outdoor rabbit run Width 2.2m Height 2.05m Length 3.1m vgc.

[skye]

Hello all,

 

Currently on Day Three (said in Marcus Bentley's north-east accent) of Skye's Chickens Project Flubenvet Autumn 2010.

Such beautiful weather forecast today and over the weekend here! But I usually try to keep free-ranging to a minimum during worming time to ensure they only eat medicated pellets and little else.

 

What is everybody else's policy re: free ranging during worming treatment?

 

I know our Bella would give her tail feathers to do a bit of sunbathing on the lawn this afternoon

 

skye x

Edited October 8, 2010 by Guest

[Leicester_H]

Hi

I let mine FR when I wormed them - seemed OK.

H

[Chucky Mama]

They should eat the flubenvetted feed exclusively for the full 7 days and so strictly speaking should not free range. I however let mine out as normal which I know is naughty. I worm as a routine 4 times a year and feel that my chickens are at low risk of infection. If they were high risk or I had seen signs or symptoms of worms, I would keep them in.

[Egluntyne]

Same here. I let them out in the afternoon for a couple of hours, but make sure that they eat the treated pellets only at other times.

[Leicester_H]

Mine would sulk like crazy if they had a week with no treats or FRing.!

So a couple of hours FR in the early afternnon and a minimal treat to lure them back seems a reasonable compromise.

They pig out on pellets 1st thing and last thing - so get approx. right dose.

H

[Chucky1]

We do the same FR as normal and try and replace the treats with treated pellets - have you seen a chicken give that "Do you think you're clever" look?

[skye]

Thanks very much for all your advice, people! So glad they didn't have to stay locked up today in the lovely sunshine... as predicted, Bella went straight for the sunbathing option and stretched out on her 'bed of rushes' like the queen of sheba, with everybody digging industriously away around her!

 

Ahhhhhhh... that's better, says Bella! Ruby the Orpington accompanies her

 

Nice and relaxed!

 

Everybody else, bum in air, digging away... not me, says Bella!

 

I love that hen, she knows how to chill

skye x

[LeeMeadfan]

Aahh!! I love these pics!

 

I've just started mine on Flub. today & have to admit I let the girls out to FR.

They do peck about obviously but also make trips back into the run for the pellets so should get their proper 'dose'.

 

I couldn't bear to not have them out for a couple of hours at least ( when possible). Especially as weather been better.

[BocBoc]

I mix our Flubenvet with rice and give it the girls in their treat bowl when I get back from work. They eat the lot and practically lick the bowl so free ranging is fine for them - I know they've had their meds