Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[johnandkymberley]

Hi, i have one little problem at the minute, i am now starting a new feed regime. I used to let the hens out from 9am - bedtime, i am now letting them out at 12pm-bedtime (is 12pm too early though?) Well my H2B works shifts, when he is on mornings its fine but its afternoons that is tricky. H2B works 2pm-10pm, but sometimes i go round my mums to help my sister (14years) do her school work - she is home learning. So do i let them out before i go out and put them in at about 1pm and then let them fill up on pellets or should i leave them in all day. I dont always go round there so this is just a "when i do" but im really stuck on what is good for them, also i am now keeping treats to a minimum!

[Egluntyne]

I never let mine out if I am not at home, and their free ranging is very much a moveable feast, depending on what I am doing - they live with me, and not the other way round, like I always used to say to my children.

[jennym]

I like knowing that they fill up on pellets before anything else, so mine don't usually FR until afternoon or evening, but that is also when it is convenient for me to supervise.

 

I'm not sure from your description if you're asking if they should go out when you're not there - I personally don't do this as it only takes a wandering Mr Fox to be lucky once and it won't be pretty. Others do things differently of course (and I do live in a very 'foxy' neighbourhood!).

[johnandkymberley]

No neither do i, never leave my girls unattended - im too protective!

but when H2B is on mornings it will be

run > free range

but on afternoons it would be

free range > run

 

I know they need there nutrients though so can i do that or should i leave them in the run all day if i am going out?

[Henchanted]

Having 10 hens in only a 3m run all day sounds a bit crowded, if you don't mind me saying. Do you use or have you considered using an electrified fenced area, that way they can free range more safely when you are out.

 

Sorry that I can't offer much advice regarding the feeding as mine are let out when ever it's possible, so it can be for an hour or two morning, afternoon or evening and they still eat their pellets by the end of the day. The only time I keep them in until they have finished all the pellets is when I am using Flubenvet to worm them.

[johnandkymberley]

okay, sorry i dont think i have made my question quite clear

when h2b is on mornings, the hens will be out at 2pm till bedtime

although when he is on afternoons, if i go out it will be at 1pm, would it be okay to let them free range in the morning and put them away at 1pm?

the question is cuz people say to keep hens in in the morning so they get all there pellets etc, so will it be okay to let them out in the morning and put them in in the afternoon? will they still get there full nutrition in they free range in the morning?

 

I am not prepared to let them out when i am not in

[Lavenders_Blue]

My personal view is that if they are going to be shut in the run for 1/2 a day, whether it's morning or afternoon, they will still eat plenty of pellets. Hens 'graze' throughout the day, they don't stuff themselves in the morning and then stop eating in the afternoon, so I reckon they would be just fine to FR in the morning and then be put in their run with their pellets in the afternoon.

[johnandkymberley]

thanks lavenders blue, i think i am going to do that and your right they dont stop eating in the afternoon, that never came to mind! the most simplest of things eh? i think they just need to get in there routine and they will be fine,today they are shouting at me to let them out, their going to attack me i reckon! its nearly 2 so im going to put them out of there misery!

[Henergy]

Can you not put some pellets out in the free range area in a bowl then they can help themselves

[KimmyCustard]

I also work shifts, two 12 hour days then two 12 hour nights, then 4 days off. I let the girls out to free range when I can, sometimes I just cant manage it until my days off. They have a 16 x 7 foot run to play in when I'm not there and I give them treats when I get home from day shift before they go to bed. They also go in and out of the run whilst they're FR, they have a scoff of mash then go out again! I wouldnt worry........

[Redwing]

I'd let them out as and when you can, they may make a bit more noise in the mornings when they arent allowed out so be prepared for this. Also letting them out before they have had a good feed may lead to a drop in eggs but again if you are prepared for this you should be fine

 

The size of the run may be a problem, if they are used to being out all day at the moment then they will be quite content now but thats a small run for so many chickens and it may result in behavioural problems when they are more confined