- Jun 26, 2010
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My six black jersey giants have been free range since this spring when they were old enough to be out by themselves. I noticed that they have clock-like routines and could easily find them due to the time of day. The girls would even expect me to deliver their dinner at the bottom of the steps at 4:30 every afternoon. They put themselves to bed in the coop at dusk. We recently developed the problem of them roaming too far - like into the neighbors' yards. Needing some confinement, but not wanting to keep then in their coop and 4x6 pen, I put up a fence surrounding the coop. It encompasses an area about half the size of a football field. The first day, I scattered a lot of treats into the woods to keep them busy foraging. I noticed, though, that at certain times of the day, the hens seemed agitated and were pecking at the fencing. Although they have a great space, they are missing their normal routine. They ate very little of their regular food - quite unusual. Has anyone else notice these time patterns with their chickens?
