freerange

[Heifer]

Hi im new

We live on 5acres of paddocks (horses/orchard/trees) in the hills of Perth, WA... We have a good chicken yard with a coop that was a bird avery so is completely enclosed and provides shelter from the elements and roosting/nesting areas, surrounded by 6' chicken wire fencing (but not fox proof). Previously others had chickens in this enclosure, and let them out freerange during the day (locked them in the cage at night).

My question is... Tomorrow i plan to buy about 4 chickens (probably isa browns) which have been free ranging on a large property nearby. What is the best way to introduce them to the new location and how do i train them to go back in the cage at night?

Sorry if this seems a silly question, but i have only ever kept chickens in an enclosed run (at my parents place) and i am worried about losing new chooks!

 

[NancyDz]

Do you already have chickens? If so, you might want to keep the new birds separate to make sure they are healthy. Otherwise if they are your first chickens, keep them in the enclosed coop and run for at least a couple weeks to a month before you free range them if that's what you are planning. They will learn that the new coop is their home and go back to it on their own once they have been there awhile.


Oh and

Nancy

 

[I LOVE COCHINS]

Quote:
Hello &

Not a silly question at all! I think you should keep them penned up for a week or so. That way they know that your their meal ticket and the coop is there new home. Good Luck!!

 

[Heifer]

yeh dont have any chickens yet

Thanks for the info

anything else i need to do to prepare for my new arrivals?

And do you prefer to feed wheat or pellets? I also have hay they can scratch around in, and of course vegetable peels.

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

 

[I LOVE COCHINS]

Quote:
What age of chickens do you plan on getting? I feed mine a Layer crumbles and throw a handful of scratch out for them too. Make sure to post pictures. We all love to see photos of everyones chickens!! Here is a URL to a treat chart for your chickens. Hope this helps you out.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[Heifer]

thanks very informative