cheekymonkey200 Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 Hi all- I have had my two lovely 20 week old hybrid ginger girls Maude and Mildred 10 days now and they have been living very happily in their eglu go which we move about every couple of days- if only because my girls are so good at getting the moss out of the grass! I am really keen to let them out in the garden when I'm out there but I'm really scared that they will run away! We've already had one escape attempt on the first day. The couple I bought them from said they need to be in the eglu for 2 weeks before they can come out. Although they seem a lot tamer now, they come to the door in the run when they hear me coming up the garden, they dont love to be picked up and make a bit of a fuss about it so I'm worried about catching them again. Also, we only have hedges between us and the neighbours so I know they'll make a run for those! Aside from putting chicken proof fencing around the garden, what do I need to do to let them free range for the first time? I havent clipped their wings yet either...how necessary is this and how do I do it without hurting them? Any advice is very very welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poached Egg Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 The girls need time to get used to their new home and where to go back to.Sounds like you have got the right idea and some just take longer to get to know you. Before free ranging make sure they will come to you(train them with treats so that rattling a tub will get them to come to you).In time they may come to the sound of your voice! Try handling them at bed time(theirs)when they are relaxed and be patient-it will be worth it. If they are persistently flighty then wing clipping may be necessary-done properly its painless for you and them,plenty of info on the Forum for this. The area intended for Free Ranging needs to be secure to keep them in and others out,not just Foxes also neighbors dogs etc. Above all enjoy them -dont forget the photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 As chixkens don't like being out in the dark - why not try their first time out 1/2 before it starts going dark - will probably make it a little easier, also have a handful of their favourite treat to encourage/bribe them back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
