i somehow acquired 2 runaways and i have questions. please help

[pollipazzi]

also if i stand outside the run to let them in, they won't go in. but if i stand inside the run, they run out when i try to get back out.
if it wasn't happening to me, it would be hilarious.

 

[pollipazzi]

there are these two magpies that have been having a great time trying to annoy the chickens. they come around almost every day.
thelma learned to peck the hwc to make a noise that makes them jump back. but look how unphased thelma and louise are

 

[RoyalChick]

there are these two magpies that have been having a great time trying to annoy the chickens. they come around almost every day.
thelma learned to peck the hwc to make a noise that makes them jump back. but look how unphased thelma and louise are

That’s a neat trick she learned.
Also a lovely view of your set-up. Looks good!

 

[pollipazzi]

That’s a neat trick she learned.
Also a lovely view of your set-up. Looks good!

thank you!

 

[BDutch]

i try to alternate treats so they don't get too much of one thing.

the problem i have if thelma goes in and i close the door to go get louise...
is then louise runs away from the door opening and thelma will run out the door as soon as it opens.
it's a dirty trick!

This is where rabbit fences are convenient.

 

[pollipazzi]

This is where rabbit fences are convenient.

i have to figure something out.
i am hoping it's just a phase and they cop on soon! they weren't this bad before.

 

[pollipazzi]

I cant take the treats away bc i scatter the treats in the run where they get locked in later.
If a few hens are inside for the goodies, I lock the door in the front and stand on guard near the back door to see if the others are coming.
The chickens don’t come out as long as they eat the mixed grains/seeds. I shout ‘kippies, kippies’ to call the missing chickens.

If I miss one or a few girls. I close the back door too. Start clapping and searching in the garden. Herd the latecomer(s) to the run. Open the door and give them all a some extra treats.

PS
the mealworms are not the treats I start with. And the chickens don’t get mealworms every day.
Eating a good portions of mixed grains/seeds is okay. Eating lots of mealworms is not (fat and expensive).

Boiled rice and spaghetti (cooking extra/left over) are treats too. A slice of bread , in small pieces is yummy too.

i think i need to change my call to "kippies, kippies!"
that is so much more fun to say.
maybe they'll like it better and actually listen.

 

[pollipazzi]

how are you gettin on with the littles, @Mother of Chaos ?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

how are you gettin on with the littles, @Mother of Chaos ?

We're having very gradual introductions - I let them into the run in the mornings, where they meet one older bird when she comes into the run to lay. First visit went well, Lil (the EE) mainly ignoring the littles, until Tessa decided to help her in digging a hole. Lots of wing flapping and scurrying littles, but no pecking. Tomorrow we'll audition the BO (Buffy). Heaven knows when we'll try Trudy, the BR! - she's a loon.

 

[pollipazzi]

i just want to set the record straight to be fair to thelma. she has come when i called every night. it's louise that doesn't listen.

louise has 2 tail feathers left and pin feathers all over her bum, so she might be having issues that are causing extra B.

my son stopped by just as i was going to put them in the run. thelma ignored him because i was holding the treat and she was all about that. louise was running around the greenhouse. my son went around the greenhouse and louise pretty quickly ran into the run. away from scary man #2