Bad Luck Bantams

[thecatumbrella]

I would definitely think that bringing them in to get them used to things would be a good idea. I brought my littles outside for the first time today. Their reactions showed me that I need to be doing that more often.

I love your setup!

Thanks! It's big enough to bury two large adults in, so hopefully that works for 3 little birds. I'm sure it will become infested with mites that migrate up to my carpeted bedrooms. I'd like to say they're worth it...?

And yeah, I imagine chickens are just like any other animal that benefits from exposure therapy. It would probably be more upsetting to have 60 days of tranquility outside, and then be thrust into the brooder at random. IF ANYONE'S READING THIS THAT WOULD LIKE TO CORRECT ME, PLEASE DO SO.

What happened with your outdoor trip? What were you seeing?

 

[AnneGirlGG]

Thanks! It's big enough to bury two large adults in, so hopefully that works for 3 little birds. I'm sure it will become infested with mites that migrate up to my carpeted bedrooms. I'd like to say they're worth it...?

And yeah, I imagine chickens are just like any other animal that benefits from exposure therapy. It would probably be more upsetting to have 60 days of tranquility outside, and then be thrust into the brooder at random. IF ANYONE'S READING THIS THAT WOULD LIKE TO CORRECT ME, PLEASE DO SO.

What happened with your outdoor trip? What were you seeing?

So I set up this little run next to the coop. It came from Amazon, and it's not great quality, so I'd never leave birds unattended in it where I live. But for some outside time for littles when I'm sitting right there, it's just fine.

I brought out their waterer, filled with fresh water with a block of ice in it because it's 90 degrees. I brought out their feed. There is a tarp over one end for shade. And they were just terrified. They huddled together in one end and wouldn't venture at all.

No cats came close. No hawks flew overhead. The only real noises were from the chickens in the coop behind the run, which they can't see each other. I don't know why they were so scared.

 

[NatJ]

I don't know why they were so scared.

They were scared because everything was so new and strange. They didn't know whether the tarp might eat them. Or the run. Or the big blue sky, or the grass, or the trees, or anything else.

Yes, doing it more often will be the way to get them used to it.

 

[thecatumbrella]

So I set up this little run next to the coop. It came from Amazon, and it's not great quality, so I'd never leave birds unattended in it where I live. But for some outside time for littles when I'm sitting right there, it's just fine.

I brought out their waterer, filled with fresh water with a block of ice in it because it's 90 degrees. I brought out their feed. There is a tarp over one end for shade. And they were just terrified. They huddled together in one end and wouldn't venture at all.

No cats came close. No hawks flew overhead. The only real noises were from the chickens in the coop behind the run, which they can't see each other. I don't know why they were so scared.

Yeah, they're nervous nellies like mine. Glad I'm not alone! I had to hang out with them and show I wasn't affected. Happy calm voice. Pecking at feeders. Blah blah. They have to realize that life happens and it's okay.

 

[BoundlessLove]

It’s so sweet that they listen to Christmas music.
You’ll have to put a tree up outside the coop as a little nightlight for them.

 

[thecatumbrella]

It’s so sweet that they listen to Christmas music.
You’ll have to put a tree up outside the coop as a little nightlight for them.

Oh gosh. If they survive here until Christmas, they'll regret it. Custom stockings. Themed music. Lots of stressors for the chicken pen that only benefit me.

 

[BoundlessLove]

If you get that little cat carrier, you can take for pics with Santa.

 

[thecatumbrella]

If you get that little cat carrier, you can take for pics with Santa.

Wait, the one that looks like a straightjacket??

Edit: For anyone that needs a reference.

 

[BDutch]

I haven’t tried a swing with this group yet, but I’m intrigued! Thanks for the idea!

I made a swinging branche that doesn’t swing a lot. My chickens don’t like it if it swings too much.

And I gave them the center of an old table to jump on. Its made with robinia/acacia wood which is great for outdoor use.

 

[BDutch]

I would definitely think that bringing them in to get them used to things would be a good idea. I brought my littles outside for the first time today. Their reactions showed me that I need to be doing that more often.

I love your setup!

Taking them outside is very healthy for the chicks. Chicks need sunlight. And getting used to the soil is important too.

If you keep them insight its best to add an expensive daylight spectrum lamp during the day. Add a little soil from the run to build up immunity. A clump with soil, grasses and herbs (and chick or pigeon grit) is a great add on.