Sad chooks

[Annabella]

I am fed up with tattered gardens and poop and made the decision to pen up my 4 girls.
Now the Red Sisters don't mind but the other two are depressed, I think.

They have only ever free ranged their entire lives; I feel bad for them but I am hoping they will adjust.

Have ordered another pen so they don't have to share with the Reds but I am hoping they won't die from depression... do you think chooks can die from depression???

 

[LarryPQ]

Yes they can, but I am betting they will adjust to the new digs. Don't worry just yet.

 

[cassie]

Most critters live in the present. They don't dwell on the past.

Look at it this way. Your chickens are better off than my peacocks. I am seriously considering going after them with a shotgun. I can't catch them and they have completely destroyed my flowers. The last straw was when they denuded my beautiful lush hosta. They had left it alone until now.

 

[DelcoChix]

Don't give them human traits---just asking for trouble
Not sure where you live but you can 'set them free' once fall arrives, or come up with a portable run solution pretty cheaply and easily--with just four hens it wouldn't cost much at all, 3-4 of those step-in fence posts (about $2 each @TSC), and a 15-20 foot piece of fencing (I'd go with 4' high if possible), wire tie the fence to the posts and let them out for a bit in greener pastures when you are around to keep an eye on them...and potential predators. If you let them free range before, this is a little safer, but mostly for peace of mind (for you you could set them free (and still keep your gardens safe.

 

[Barnmaradotte]

or you could maybe put a fence around the garden?

 

[ThinkingChickens]

I wouldn't feel too badly! We built a walk in run to both preserve our garden and also keep the girls safe when we are out later than expected. They've adjusted well so far. We've added a chicken swing and next we'll add a ladder to help keep them entertained.

 

[TGreenhut]

Quote:
x2

 

[7&8]

Seriously, someone is probably going to think I work for the electric poultry netting folks, but I don't - really!