Three of the laydees enjoying the big outside. Amber in the foreground is distinctly lighter than the others. I keep thinking I've sorted the other 3 out and then the sun goes in and I've changed my mind again! Today is Day 4 if you count Sunday as Day 1 - and they were banged up most of Sunday. We knew they were ready for off. The first two days they really hid, kept to the perches and nest box and didn't even like to come near the pop-hole. By yesterday evening they were trying to shove past me as I leaned in the cleaning door to poo pick and add a little corn for supper.
We let them out this morning and it's obvious they aren't used to the wind in their plumage. They were reared in big roomy pens inside a poly tunnel. It was open both ends and had lots of fresh air (and no smell!) but a sudden gust up your bum makes you skitter and fly a few feet apparently.
Under the ladder (which they have already used in both directions by the way) - Amber on the right. She decided that after I'd given the house a good clean out and left it open to the air for a while, she would just check whether I'd scattered anything other than Easibed in there. So the new floor covering is well scratched!
This view shows my makeshift perch. They have all used it and also like to perch on the bucket. We bought a smaller green and white water dispenser but our poultry supplier was using these - very easy to clean out and refill from the garden tap. The girls are used to it, so we bought one. It's shorter and wider than the standard bucket so it's way more stable.
Shaun of Outgate Poultry suggested that we keep them at least a fortnight within the run before we let them try the rest of the garden. His suggestion of 3 - 4 days in the house seemed a bit extreme but it has worked. They are so settled and comfortable with the set-up now and obviously do perceive the house as 'home'.
7 comments:
Do hens bathe? I wonder if you will find one sitting in the bucket one morning? They are lovely colours aren't they! But no wonder you can't work out which is which htey are so alike!
They look very relaxed and happy in their new home. Whislt the "3 days indoors" might have seemed extreme, it is sound advice to give any new animals a chance to settle down after relocation and an unfamiliar journey.
As for an unexpected gust of wind up yer b*m, you should have tried the fells yesterday, been blowing an absolute hooley for the last 24 hours and doesn't look like ceasing any time soon!
They dust-bathe Granny. The bravest (Amber) has been in there already but didn't do any dust-bathing - she just trampled around and left her footprints in the sand!
It's still blowing here Bilbo - at least they have the sense to go into the Chicken Cafe to shelter when it gets very blustery.
They are settling in a treat, aren't they! Lovely girls!
They look very relaxed in their new home. You've been given very good advice - it's wise to be cautious with hens - they easily get upset.
Amber's very distinctive. I wonder how you'll tell the others apart?
My hens don't like gusty wind - they have various retreats under conifers ;-)
Celia
All exciting stuff, they look like they're settling in nicely.
They look as if they have settled in. It is true they need 3-4 days locked in their house, it seems to take about that long to set a pattern in their heads.
Enjoy your little feathered friends!
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