I'm about to let my 23 week-old girls have a go at the backyard for the first time. I'm a bit nervous about letting them out of the run. I know many people on here have probably faced this at some point. I know I should have started them younger, but this just seems like such a milestone.
What are some pointers to make sure this goes successfully? How can I be sure my chickens will let me catch them to put them back in their run? Will they be more inclined to stay close to the garden and their run, or will they go into the rest of the not-as-safe areas of the yard (such as under the deck, over by the log pile and splitter, behind the big stack of scrap wood, through the slats of the picket fence, behind/under the trailer, etc.........)?
I have 6 pullets. Would it be best if I let just a couple out at once, so it doesn't seem so overwhelming for me? Will they trample and devour the garden (okay, I know that really is a dumb question? Are there any plants I need to worry about them nibbling on, or they do just kind of know what is safe to eat?
Any other ideas and advice will be greatly welcome. Here is a pic of their coop(not finished!) and run, with the garden area in front:
Thanks so much, the ladies can't wait to get out!!!!
What are some pointers to make sure this goes successfully? How can I be sure my chickens will let me catch them to put them back in their run? Will they be more inclined to stay close to the garden and their run, or will they go into the rest of the not-as-safe areas of the yard (such as under the deck, over by the log pile and splitter, behind the big stack of scrap wood, through the slats of the picket fence, behind/under the trailer, etc.........)?
I have 6 pullets. Would it be best if I let just a couple out at once, so it doesn't seem so overwhelming for me? Will they trample and devour the garden (okay, I know that really is a dumb question? Are there any plants I need to worry about them nibbling on, or they do just kind of know what is safe to eat?
Any other ideas and advice will be greatly welcome. Here is a pic of their coop(not finished!) and run, with the garden area in front:
Thanks so much, the ladies can't wait to get out!!!!