Took video of our ladies having a bit of a dust-bath (we think) but can't get it to upload so am trying another way...
Until then, a little update:
We have tried them on home grown tomatoes and strawberries, apples, pears, peas and sweetcorn. Current favourites are tomatoes, strawberries and sweetcorn. Plus mealworms - they recognise the box and will follow it anywhere, which is handy as they have now started trying to get out of the run when we open the door as they want the fresh grass. We have started giving them the grass cuttings when doing the lawn so may see if we can get these from others as well - they love the fresh grass!
Getting into a good routine now. Let them out about 7.30am, put out the fresh food and water, clean them out as they start eating and then leave them to it! They have a treat in the afternoon (either mixed corn or fresh veg/fruit - just a handful) and then about 9pm they take themselves to bed! They really cwtch up together as well at nights, so I can now see how this coop can hold 6-8 birds!
Was also worried that given the atrocious weather lately (seriously, it's July - stop raining!!) they were a little bored as they just sit hiding from the rain, so went to Pets at Home to see what they had, and loads of the bird cage items were on sale - bargain! Have bought a few toys with mirrors etc on and dotted them around the run. They seem quite interested, so feeling better that they won't get too bored! Obviously throwing some things down in the afternoon for them to scratch for too. Can chickens get bored??
They had seemed to be settling but we did have a small situation today which I think may have set us back again. We let them out into the garden for the first time and had Piper (the dog) out with us on a lead. Whilst we had treats she was fine, but then got over excited and snapped at the chickens, so she went back in the house (cue lots of whining). Later on when we were quickly cleaning them out (they were in the run) she ran in after them. She's never done this before. Cue lots of chasing and snapping at the chickens. Joe thinks if she wanted to catch and kill she would have, but I am not so sure. Not impressed, and neither are the girls. Every time she goes near the run now they go nuts at her. Just really wish one would peck her when her nose goes near the fencing! It worked for the cats when Piper got a bit cocky with them.
So we will see what effect this has. Still no eggs yet. Not sure if its because they are still a little young or too stressed. I guess we will see.
Until then, a little update:
We have tried them on home grown tomatoes and strawberries, apples, pears, peas and sweetcorn. Current favourites are tomatoes, strawberries and sweetcorn. Plus mealworms - they recognise the box and will follow it anywhere, which is handy as they have now started trying to get out of the run when we open the door as they want the fresh grass. We have started giving them the grass cuttings when doing the lawn so may see if we can get these from others as well - they love the fresh grass!
Getting into a good routine now. Let them out about 7.30am, put out the fresh food and water, clean them out as they start eating and then leave them to it! They have a treat in the afternoon (either mixed corn or fresh veg/fruit - just a handful) and then about 9pm they take themselves to bed! They really cwtch up together as well at nights, so I can now see how this coop can hold 6-8 birds!
Was also worried that given the atrocious weather lately (seriously, it's July - stop raining!!) they were a little bored as they just sit hiding from the rain, so went to Pets at Home to see what they had, and loads of the bird cage items were on sale - bargain! Have bought a few toys with mirrors etc on and dotted them around the run. They seem quite interested, so feeling better that they won't get too bored! Obviously throwing some things down in the afternoon for them to scratch for too. Can chickens get bored??
They had seemed to be settling but we did have a small situation today which I think may have set us back again. We let them out into the garden for the first time and had Piper (the dog) out with us on a lead. Whilst we had treats she was fine, but then got over excited and snapped at the chickens, so she went back in the house (cue lots of whining). Later on when we were quickly cleaning them out (they were in the run) she ran in after them. She's never done this before. Cue lots of chasing and snapping at the chickens. Joe thinks if she wanted to catch and kill she would have, but I am not so sure. Not impressed, and neither are the girls. Every time she goes near the run now they go nuts at her. Just really wish one would peck her when her nose goes near the fencing! It worked for the cats when Piper got a bit cocky with them.
So we will see what effect this has. Still no eggs yet. Not sure if its because they are still a little young or too stressed. I guess we will see.
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