Free ranging worry

[munchkinlover]

I have 3 Australorp (2 hens, 1 big rooster), 3 Eggers, 2 Silver Wyandotte, & 5 Golden Wyandotte (3 hens, 2 roosters). It's all the roosters that have me wanting to let them out (plus the size of the run). I can't bring myself to find a new home for a couple of them. I've been told that people will say they will be pets, but cook them instead. I know, I'm just a paranoid ninny. I guess that will change with time. My first experience with my chickens was with the original 8 chicks we got, I lost 5 from lack of knowledge, and I cried for days. I still tear up thinking about those beautiful babies. Then I had one original silver die and I don't know why. She was about 5 months old and I never could identify anything. I'm sorry to go on. I appreciate your helping me. I'll try giving them treats every evening before dark and using the same call each day before I start letting them out each day. Maybe that will help. Thank you!

 

[Folly's place]

Most birds will return to their coop at night, and having a call they respond to is also helpful. Start letting them out late in the day, an hour or two before they would be roosting, and then increase their time outside gradually from there.
Depending on your coop size and comfort, roost space, and flock dynamics, sometimes a bird or three will decide to roost in a tree or on the roof of the coop. Have a nice long handled fish net (sporting goods store) to hustle them down to the coop. Being out there with a flashlight and the net is entertaining...
Ten hens and pullets, and three males, may get pretty dicey out there. Your girls may be very stressed, and that's not good at all. Even if the three roosters learn to get along, which may or may not happen. Have a Plan B!!! And please don't hatch any eggs, or get straight run chicks, until you can deal with having excess cockerels and difficult roosters.
Mary

 

[munchkinlover]

Thank you Mary. I am grateful for your knowledge and experience. I'm learning a lot. I'll let you know what happens on day one.