mikecfry
In the Brooder
Hi everyone,
New to BYC, and just about have our coop finished. We have 4 chicks that are 8-9 weeks (1 Bielfelder, 1 Ameraucana,2 Gold Sex Links) and 3 more that are 4-5 weeks (2 Black Australorps and a Buff Orpington). The older 4 are already in the coop and have been for about 2 weeks. I'll be wrapping up the run this weekend, but would also like to let them out to free range in the yard (we have about an acre fenced in) occasionally. We live in a predator heavy area, especially foxes,raccoons,and raptors, so I only intend to let them free range while closely supervised. I don't however have a lot of confidence in letting them roam and being able to coax them back to the coop when we can't supervise anymore. They aren't particularly skittish and don't usually mind being picked up, but not so sure they'll come running when its time to go back home.
Any tips for a first timer on "training" our girls to head home when we need to head out?
Thanks,
Mike
New to BYC, and just about have our coop finished. We have 4 chicks that are 8-9 weeks (1 Bielfelder, 1 Ameraucana,2 Gold Sex Links) and 3 more that are 4-5 weeks (2 Black Australorps and a Buff Orpington). The older 4 are already in the coop and have been for about 2 weeks. I'll be wrapping up the run this weekend, but would also like to let them out to free range in the yard (we have about an acre fenced in) occasionally. We live in a predator heavy area, especially foxes,raccoons,and raptors, so I only intend to let them free range while closely supervised. I don't however have a lot of confidence in letting them roam and being able to coax them back to the coop when we can't supervise anymore. They aren't particularly skittish and don't usually mind being picked up, but not so sure they'll come running when its time to go back home.
Any tips for a first timer on "training" our girls to head home when we need to head out?
Thanks,
Mike