Was going to start free ranging today..until...(update..we did...PICS)

[Jeffross1968]

Thank you very much for the replies! We decided to go ahead and let them out. So, at 4:30 this afternoon, the coop was opened and out they went. Very proud of them....by 7ish, as the sun started to drop behind the mountain, they returned on their own to the coop. Here are some pics of their first adventure outside the coop at their new home...hope you enjoy!

 

[Sassafras]

Yeah!!!

I'm glad it all went well. I wish you continued sucess!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Oh what happy chickens!!

 

[spiritdance]

Such a lovely roo!

 

[mamabigbird]

I agree ... that rooster stands so proud and he's a real handsome lad.
However I think the last photo of the barred rock hen caught her giving "the dreaded STINK-EYE'.
You might have to watch her for attitude. LOL

 

[poseygrace]

I put together a new flock almost three weeks ago, and added three laying hens to some existing pullets. One of the hens (a Buckeye) laid straight through, and predictably gives me an egg a day. The other two (Wyandottes) laid the first few days, but haven't laid an egg since. So basically I haven't had an egg from them in over two weeks. I know it takes time to adjust, so I am trying to be patient. I think it doesn't help that my crazy dog runs out of the house and barks at them at least once a day, I think that must be stressful. But anyway, IMHO, the first few eggs were "in the works" and they are still settling in. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Jeffross1968]

I'll update on the next egg I find from either of those 3. Till then, no eggs....

 

[llnmaw]

Quote:
Wait a minute.....

Is that barred rock really a hen? makes me wonder if my young rooster was really a pullet.......

And yes...they do look happy to be out and about!

(oops, I think I'm hijacking your thread....sorry)

~L.

 

[Jeffross1968]

Yep, the barred rock is a hen. She's our only brown egg layer. That's the only way we knew...

 

[Jeffross1968]

So, after a couple long weeks of no laying, it looks like, at least 2 of our leghorns have begun laying again, so happiness level must be up!! Also, I have been letting them out of the coop in the morning or early afternoon (after I know I'm home for the day) and they are returning from free ranging and laying in the laying box! I was worried that wouldn't happen, but it appears all is going according to plan! Thanks for all the help!

Oh, and just for fun, here is a little pic of my older hen, Gertie, and my rooster, Roostie, showing obvious displeasure with my idea of putting a little poopy straw around my apple trees