New from the Quiet Corner of Connecticut :)

[Tangeygirl]

Hi everyone!

I recently got two 1 year old laying hens and 2 young chicks (2 months and 3 months). I'm new to raising chickens but have found this forum so helpful already!!!

After a week in their new home, a large coop we let them out today to explore. Now they've gone and wandered into the wooded gully on one side of my house, scratching and dust bathing. I'm worried they won't come back to the coop at dusk, that I let them out too soon. Can anyone ease my mind?! I'm like a worried mother hen over here

They've been out for about 2 hours now and I can still see them though they are in an area that if I were to go in I'd probably twist or break an ankle. Everything I've read says they'll come home, I just hope they remember where the coop is and that I feed them delicious treats that they won't want to miss out on!

Anyways, are my fears rational or am I just a crazy bird (chicken) lady?!

Thanks,
Jaime

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Towards evening, go out to feed & try to get them close to home. They should get the hang of it really quick.

sorry,

 

[sewingca]

From J'ville, FL. It's okay, Jaime, they will be in the coop on the roosts by "darkirty". Just remember to close them up to keep them safe from night preditors. It IS fun to raise chickens. Caroline

 

[Tangeygirl]

YAY! They made it home at 6:45 after 6 1/2 hours of roaming, scratching and dirt bathing!

I was worried but the later the day got, the closer that got to the coop. They stuck around the outside of the coop for the last hour or so before going in for the night to feast on canteloupe, strawberries, broccoli and cracked corn!

 

[TheBarnSwallow]

Greetings from Oklahoma

Sounds like you are already getting into the start of chickens.. this place is the site to be learning from... just be careful it is addicting

 

[tobin123]

and hello from Indiana ,also congrats

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

from Tucson, AZ! You might want to put them inside by hand for a few nights, or keep them locked inside for a few days. They'll learn quickly to love the safety of their coop and roost. Good luck.

 

[Tangeygirl]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes!

I really feel like the crazy chicken lady. I love my girls!!!! Today was day 3 out and about and again, they made it home safe and sound. They love exploring our yard (only 1/2 acre or so) and have found nice dirt mounds to bathe in. They have yet to disappear completely into any of our neighbors yards, so that is nice!!! I was prepared to beg for forgiveness from my neighbors by giving up some of my fresh eggs and thankfully haven't had to do that - yet.

 

[al6517]