Calamity Jane Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Hello, I have 5 new ladies that have been couped up in their run now for 10 days. I was told to not let them out for a couple of weeks so that they get used to their surroundings. However, as they are in a cube with an extension (2m?) this really is not adequate roaming space. I feel really sorry for them and I am contemplating letting them out for a wander today. I am really nervous as I have no idea what they will do. They were used to free ranging with their previous owner, but I am worried they will just rush out and go in all directions never to be seen again. What do you think will happen?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazzy73 Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Just keep some corn or mealworms near by and when you think they ranging to far throw some around and they will come a running,I put my corn/treats in a plastic beaker and when I shake it the girls come a running lol love their little faces so eager for theit treat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Hi, i think they should be fine(easy for me to say!). Try letting them out late afternoon so they wont want to wander too far away as they will be thinking about roosting. Is your garden enclosed? Have they had their wings clipped? It might be an idea to do this before you let them out as at least then they wont be roosting in any trees!! Stand by with some corn or treats to encourage them back to the eglu and i think it will be fine. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Jane Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 I dont think their wings are clipped. Perhaps I should do this first, or at least check. I will have to do it when they have gone to bed tonight. My garden is enclosed but I am sure they could fly up onto the fences if they really wanted ! I have had my 3 Sussex ladies since they were very young so it was different when I first let them out. Good trick about waiting till later in day though. Thankyou. jane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 If you let them out about an hour before bedtime, they will not go very far anyway and then pootle back to bed. I find that they go a bit further each time you let them out. Make sure you regularly go out and shake a bowl of corn and call to them and then sprinkle some for you. They very quickly catch on to 'corn time' and will come running at the sound/sight of the bowl! I just call and shake the bowl then throw a handful into their run and they all dive in after it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Me too, I have a container with my corn in that the girls know, it makes me smile sometimes as I chuck the corn in their run and they all dash in, only of course for it to be shut - but they never seem to remember that bit!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan08 Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 My girls were good as gold on their first outing, came running back for their meal worms no problem. Second time it was all just too exciting and the meal worms didn't do the trick. It depends entirely on their mood. We have had some fun rounding them up, they can't half move when they have a mind to. Usually if you can get one back in the others do tend to follow, and if one gets stuck outside with the others shut up and they cant get in panic ensues. I would agree that the best suggestion is to let them out shortly before bed time. Because we are at work all day, they only get out when we are around, so we tend to vary times, if we get a bit of a routine going then they make a huge racket demanding to get out. They go in the paddock at a similar time every day and they let you know when they are ready. We avoid routines on the whole garden playtime. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammiboo Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 To be fair all my chooks have been good when they have been let out for the first time. As advised it does help to have treats handy My girls have their wings clipped but when they moult i wont be redoing them as they dont really venture too far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Jane Posted December 14, 2011 Author Share Posted December 14, 2011 Well I did it !!! I left it till late and only let them out for about 10mins, but it wasnt too bad. 2 of them didnt really venture very far, but the other 3 didnt really seem interested in the treats ! I just shooed them nearer the run and when the other 2 went in they followed. I wish I had someone nearby who kept chickens - but I didnt feel too alone, because of you guys. Thanks, jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted December 14, 2011 Share Posted December 14, 2011 Thats good, i am sure they will be fine given time.Stick with it and be brave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
