- Jun 7, 2007
- 183
- 1
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Being fairly new to chicken ownership and having read about the ease of keeping chickens, even in one's urban backyard, I wasn't expecting this. I am now having to get rid of my pullets which are just starting to lay, which I've raised from chicks. The squawking is unbearable. This isn't pleasant chicken clucking either. And it's all because they want out of their pen which I thought was of suficient size: It's 7'x13' and 7' high and now houses 4 chickens. Plus they have their henhouse which is raised off the ground. They stop their complaining the minute I let them out. The problem is I used to let them out 2-3 times a day; it's now less frequent as my s.o. doesn't want them "ruining the yard." So every few hours, and it can last several hours, they pace the pen at the side closest to where they know I am (closest the the house) and emit the chicken equivalent of screaming bloody murder. You would think they were being slaughtered, which the s.o. is about to do if I don't get rid of them or put a stop to this. They got a taste of freedom and now want it all the time. Please, any suggestions or similar experiences with this? I've already given the worst offender to a site member here--drove almost 2 hours to meet her-- and will have to do the same with the rest. This is causing daily fighting in the household. Or is there anyone local that will take them? I live 10 miles north of Bellingham, WA. Thanks.
