First Day in the run! (WITH TWO QUESTIONS)

[Penske]

Well, yesterday was the first day the girls went outside at 8 weeks old. Only a couple went in and out throughout the day...mostly they stayed OUT! They were BUSY the WHOLE time!!! They were out for 6 hours--I had to go out an coax them back into the coop at 8:15PM!!!!!!! One Buckeye didn't get it. She layed down on the ground next to the ramp and cried. I went out and picked her up and put her in.

Their poo this morning was DIRT and they didn't eat much overnight. I opened up the food troughs and shook them a bit and they all came running. I said, "you have to eat a good breakfast before going out again!"

Is that normal??? I sprinkle grit on their food--when should I just put it in a container?????

ALSO...the Buckeye was walking backwards for a little bit this morning--like maybe 3 times in 30 seconds. What's that???

Thanks for your help!!

Lisa

 

[Wildsky]

I can say - yes it will be normal for them not to eat as much - cause they've been eating everything they have SEEN while outside...

As far as grit - I throw a handful out every now and then into my run - we have very sandy soil and I am pretty sure my girls get enough while digging around free-ranging.