Flossieflipflop Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 We've got a WIR and cube and have had our 4 chickens for 2 and a half months. We've finally set up electric fencing which gives them access to a larger area of garden. I'll try to post a link to an IG pic: https://instagram.com/p/2lbrMXRNop/ The enclosure door has been open for three days now but they just won't come out! If I hold some corn in my hand I can get all but one of them to come out a little way but they then scurry back in. Left to their own devices they will stick their heads out to eat the grass they can reach. I don't know what to do to encourage them out. All four chickens still seem quite nervous of us all, despite me spending quite a lot of time with them and giving them treats. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 I'm sure it'll just take them time to realise that it's not life-threatening! Leaving little treats just outside the doorway every day might help (your hand might be just a bit too scary ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggshell Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 Mine did the same when I enlarged their patch - they would stand at the old boundary and stretch their necks out to reach the grass that they could actually now walk on. It did look absurd. I can't remember how long it took for them to dare to step forward, but they did it - it just takes a little time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 Blimey! Mine are escaping from their bit of the garden like Houdini at the moment. Every time I turn my back a different one is wondering around the patio I'm sure yours will pluck up the courage to explore soon enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
