Run

[danico7]

Hi all,

I got my hens on Ssaturday (5 days ago) I was just wondering how long should I leave them locked in their run? I want to let them in the garden but when I bought them was told they need to stay in the run for a while.

Thanks

Danielle

 

[sourland]

and congratulations on your new flock. A lot depends upon the breeds you are working with. I would judge by their actions. When they appear content in their new home and not fearful, then you can give them freedom. For some this might be a matter of days (Orpingtons or the like) for others (Leghorns or other Mediterranean breeds) it might be a matter of weeks.

 

[danico7]

Awww Thanks They are NovoBrown 20 weeks old. They do look like they have settled in

 

[danico7]

OMG I let them out .... they chased me and one tried to fly away slightly scared of the chickens

 

[azygous]

Danielle, try not to be fearful of your chickens. It's easy to misread their actions until you get to know and understand them. I believe you will soon come to see your chickens as the very lovable, gentle little creatures they are.

Most chickens, when released from a protracted confinement as yours were for five days, act as exuberant children being let out for recess. Young pullets will actually fly, and it's often accompanied by quite frightful sounding screeching. The older ones will run out and race about, especially if there are wonderful garden things to explore.

I suggest you lay out a blanket, plant yourself in the middle of it, get comfortable, and wait for your chickens to wander up and get to know you. It would help speed up the process if you had some raisins or grapes, or some grated carrots. Whatever treat you wish to share with the chickens, place beforehand in a convenient container that you can use every time you do this. Very soon, the chickens will associate the container with treats, and will come to you whenever they see it. It's a super handy method of rounding them up and getting them back into their run when you need to.

You'll quickly learn your chickens each have a unique personality, and very soon one or two may even decide you are their new best friend.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

One way to bond with your feathered friends is to take out a small garden shovel and start digging around. They'll get curious and come over and love you for all of the goodies that you dig up. My oldest ones won't let my younger ones near me while I'm digging since they know I'm likely to find them some worms or bugs.