missusmac Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Hi all, I am a fairly new member and owner of 3 little bantams who are 18 weeks. I'm really keen to FR them but am scared to do so as well. They don't have their wings clipped as yet. What time of day is best to let them out for the first time and how do you know they will return to their coop? Mine come running when I go into the garden so they have got used to me and I have handled two of them (third proving more difficult). Should I let them out just before dusk roosting so they come back to the house for this? What experiences have more experienced hen owners had with this? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcharlie43 Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 When I get some new girls I let them get used to the cube and run and I have a fenced off FR area. Once they have put themselves to bed I then let then FR when I am at home. I haven't had any problems yet but make sure that the first time I let them out I give then some treats to entice them back to the cube at dusk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I would let them get used to you coming out with corn in a little tub. Then let them out at dusk (as you suggest). They'll be keen to go back "indoors" as light falls and a little corn will help if they're not sure where to go (which is unlikely!) Good luck . The thought of the first FR is always more scary than the reality! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Hi there! Well I know what you mean and how you feel!! I started with 3 pekin bantams just a little over a year ago. You sound like you're already making a good start!! I got mine eating out of my hand and used mealworms(not too many though!) to tempt them (mine LOVE them!!) Also have a pot/tub or something brightly coloured, shake it and call them, they will soon get the idea!! Also if you can restrict the area that might help. I have my lawn fenced with a gate and that is where the pekins are allowed Free ranging this time of the year is hard, because I don't leave mine un-supervised (Mr fox is a worry).....and it's cold!!!! In the summer it's easy to be out pottering in the garden with the gang!!! Yes, if you let them out a little before "bedtime" if they are sure of "home" they should put themselves to bed. Once you feel confident give it a go! I love to watch mine toddling around and having a dust bath!! Enjoy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missusmac Posted December 1, 2012 Author Share Posted December 1, 2012 Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to be brave and let them out for a bit this afternoon just before it gets dark. As it's Saturday I can do that! I'm still a bit bothered that they might be a bit flighty but I'll let you know how they get on - corn is usually an attraction for them so hopefully that'll do the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 I agree with the other advice, just before dusk is a good time. I feed treats in a metal dish and a shake of that gets the hybrids very excited whether they are in their run or FRing. But I must admit I have not let my little bantams FR yet, I must do that but the short days makes it tricky Good luck, don't forget to get some photos of them. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 Mine FR unsupervised now. I have been lucky with regard to Monsieur Reynard. He's a night stalker although we have spotted the occasional one in the front gardens. I have made the decision that if it happens then so be it - I won't like it but the fox only does what comes naturally. I chose big fat birdies originally but have a mixed bunch all together. I trimmed the wings initially, and when our chicks flew over my head they had their wings clipped - but just the once. They all seem to be ground lovers - even the pekins! We are surrounded by high fencing and the side that isn't has a very vicious dog, I wonder if that is why the fox keeps away? We have had a couple of attacks by a neighbours cat but she didn't fare very well, first pouncing on the maran ending up with a mouthful of feathers and nothing else (amazingly she didn't have a scratch on her) and then trying it on with the buff Sussex who is such a ratbag that she takes me on (loses all the time yet she still tries) - and the cat hasn't been back since (strangely she ignored the little birds?). Usually the girls scream to high heaven when a cat is around. Or a sparrowhawk. They aren't bothered with the red kites or buzzards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
