evening roundup?

[krusty]

My meat birds are now about 7 weeks old and another 3 or so before they have a date with the butcher.

They spend the days outside in a fenced in area eating pretty much anything along with their free choice food. Some are grass eating monsters.

There is no way I will leave them out overnite given the abundance of predators but is there an easier way to round them up other than carrying in 50+ chickens? It is such a pain in the chicken butt.

 

[Kali]

I only feed mine certain amounts at certain times, the last time being after sunset. They know the feeding scoop and as soon as they see me with it they come running like there is no tomorrow. Much MUCH easier than moving them by hand.

 

[jaku]

Wow, and I thought I had it bad just feeding and watering 50+ birds! Do they at least let you pick them up or do you have to chase/catch them first?

I'd say to make them think they're getting fed, then somehow corral them into where you want them to go.

 

[krusty]

well there are a couple that are getting quick but for the most part I can move faster than them

It is supposed to rain later this week so will keep them in the coop. But under another thread I need to stop spending so much time sitting outdoors watching them. Today was watching them decimate a root around a long since dead and rotting tree. Something tastey there I guess.

Another problem for me is that there is a good 12" drop out the opening so right now I have a 4x8 sheet acting as a ramp and next time I do chickens I will plan it out better. I may do something crazy and get more chicks in late July if they are still available locally.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I have 31 meat birds total: six Cornish X and 25 Colored Rangers. My evening round up takes place when its nearly totally dark and they can't run from me because they are sleepy and can't see well. I take box loads of them (six to eight birds) to the brooder until they are all snug in the brooder pen.

 

[JohnL11935]

I purchase 'Coffee-Mate' by the jug at Costco that holds about two quarts. I keep it nearly full with ~ 50% scratch and 50% black oil sunflower seeds.

When its time to gather up the girls I just walk around the yard giving it a shake and they all come running to the sound because they know of the treat they will get when they all get back to the run.




.

 

[krusty]

Thanks for the feedback. I opened up the hatch to let them out this AM and they actually were eager to get out on their own and about half went out and half stayed inside before I left for work so that is promising.