I am awake again at 5am thanks to my very noisy light sussex hen. Our hens have been able to free range all day every day in the whole garden. Last month when we were sick of the poo, we got an extra run and keep the chickens in.
They have dirt for dustbathing, shelter, treat basket and hay to scratch. They also have logs to purch on and a mirror. I even went to the level of buying a little swing (which they never use). Since being in the run one hen has started shouting from 5am. Its hot so we all have windows open. My partner is not disturbed but I am, and I feel guilty for our neighbours.
I worked out if I scatter mealworms or peas for them to peck at, they become distracted and stop. However, last night I thought ahead. I filled up their treat basket, raked the hay into a pile and scattered mealworms to give them plenty to do when they woke up and therefore might be too busy to shout.
5.20, they are up and the loudest is going for it. This is when I realised I may have made things worse by attending to them with treats when they shout.
I cannot leave them in the coop longer because they scream to be let out. (Our automatic door is set for 5am)
Im worrying about neighbours (which we already have a rubbish relationship with). Although my partner doesnt mind winding them up, I feel awful!
Im so sick of being woken up at 5am and then them continuing until 6am. It is mainly one hen who is super loud.
At the point of considering rehoming them.
Someone help.
They have dirt for dustbathing, shelter, treat basket and hay to scratch. They also have logs to purch on and a mirror. I even went to the level of buying a little swing (which they never use). Since being in the run one hen has started shouting from 5am. Its hot so we all have windows open. My partner is not disturbed but I am, and I feel guilty for our neighbours.
I worked out if I scatter mealworms or peas for them to peck at, they become distracted and stop. However, last night I thought ahead. I filled up their treat basket, raked the hay into a pile and scattered mealworms to give them plenty to do when they woke up and therefore might be too busy to shout.
5.20, they are up and the loudest is going for it. This is when I realised I may have made things worse by attending to them with treats when they shout.
I cannot leave them in the coop longer because they scream to be let out. (Our automatic door is set for 5am)
Im worrying about neighbours (which we already have a rubbish relationship with). Although my partner doesnt mind winding them up, I feel awful!
Im so sick of being woken up at 5am and then them continuing until 6am. It is mainly one hen who is super loud.
At the point of considering rehoming them.
Someone help.
