Omlet cube and run

[ethansmum]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm a long term lurker, but now that i have actually got my hens, I thought it was time to say hello! and ask a few questions.

 

I got my babies (8 weeks off heat) on saturday. I keep then in the eglu and run during the day, then in the evening I bring them into the house (indoor rabbit hutch). I'm a little worried because they spend a good 90% of the time sitting in the nest box. Is this okay? I'm worried that they aren't getting out enough. Are they too cold? Thsnk you for any advice.

Tracy

[Chicken deficient]

My first chickens were about that age when I got them and lived in my Eglu classic, but they were out and about messing around in the run and free ranging a lot. They did go in for naps during the day, but no more than you'd expect of any baby.

It may be that they are a bit chilly and over whelmed - does the run get some sun during the day,(when there is any!)? Is it partly covered to shelter from wind and rain? I'd also make sure there is nothing there to scare them when they do come out. Can they be tempted out by you talking to them? That always works with mine.

Hopefully someone will have some other ideas?

[good_egg]

My little Annette and Connie were about that age when I got them. They had Buffy and Dot at 10 or 11 weeks to keep them warm but they survived outside in cube and run and were quite active and happy. Bit more nervous than they are now and they did sleep in the nestbox... What are you feeding them, where abouts is the food and how much shelter do they have? Also what is your run on - perhaps the lush easibed mine were on helped (they are now on woodchip). Dont worry there are lots of experienced people on here who can help.

 

Any chance of pics of the cuties?

[Olly]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. They are quite young, and I don't have experience of raising chicks but my guess would be it's just nerves/being a bit overwhelmed by the big outdoors, give it a few more days and they will probably start venturing out more. As long as they look healthy I wouldn't worry - it's unlikely that they will spend the rest of their lives sitting in there!

[sjp]

once they are outside fulltime they'll settle down, don't be tempted to force they out through in the mean time as they need to feel safe in the eglu as long as they go outside to feed and drink as said they'll be fine

[ethansmum]

Thank you for the reassurance! I think maybe I'm just being an overprotective mum, because just after I posted they spent the next 3 hours in the run - in the rain! They probably are just shy- they do come out when I call them, but go back in if I don't have corn.

 

They have morning sun and I've got the green run cover on. At the moment they are not free ranging but will be soon- they are on grass. I'm feeding growers pellets in the eglu run- they also have access to them when they go to bed in my house. They get corn when the kids come home from school. (They are a polish,aracana and a pekin).

 

I'll post pictures very soon- thanks for the help!

[Chicken deficient]

I think that all sounds fine

We look forward to seeing them!