You could give them a compost bin, or straw to rifle thru, or other things like that to keep them entertained.Since I only have 5 total, I really would not want to accept a loss (or two).
I feel guilty not letting them out but I don't want to lose any.
...Still undecided.
Good idea! Yesterday they were having fun with a sprig of millet I brought out.
They likely won’t go far at first and gradually will stray further but they’ll love to hunt bugs once they do. You have had them locked up long enough that they know where home and their roost is, they’ll go back on their own near dusk. Also, they’ll watch the sky for predators and alert each other.Today marks 4 weeks since I've had my pullets. They live in a 10'x20' run (has airy "coop" inside).
I understand I could let them loose in our fenced yard but am terrified to do that. Two are sweeties & seek me out when I'm near. The other 3 are skittish. What if they don't go back in their run? What if they fly over the fence? How do people do this?
That would be fun but she may be tired from all the driving!
Yes, I spent nite in Mesa before driving them up to farm in Chino Valley, I don't stop when I have animals in the car unless I forgot to gas up before. We made it! I'll post pics later today probably. I'm so happy to have them - my DH will be surprised we have a new flock! I told him I was getting some but not how many!
If you do decide to free range give them a lot of things to do in the yard and lots of good cover for aerial predators. All of our neighborhoods are vastly different and only you know what the predator pressure is in you immediate area (if you don't know yet you will learn quick enough).Since I only have 5 total, I really would not want to accept a loss (or two).
I feel guilty not letting them out but I don't want to lose any.
...Still undecided.
I told you that I would set you up good with those Bielefelder's. That cockerel isn't the daddy to them, so he will be able to breed those Bielefelder pullet's when they are old enough. That way you can also have some pure Bielefelder's, along with your project one's.
The coyotes are really out in force lately. A couple weeks ago, I found my neighbor's cat dead out by the wash.
I had to chase one out of the yard Saturday. It hopped our fence like it was nothing. Thankfully the chicken run is more of a challenge. We're still beefing it up, though.
That's good! There's no reason why you should let them have a chicken dinner.The coyotes are really out in force lately. A couple weeks ago, I found my neighbor's cat dead out by the wash.
