so many questions......

[sylvev]

Hi
We got our chickens yesterday , 2 black rocks, 1 bluebelle and 1 speckeldy. Seem quite happy. They are in run attached to house and have food out there. My questions are:
1.one chicken has scratched in one corner of run and has made a gap, could a fox dig in? If so, what can we do?

1. When we give them vegs, fruit etc, can they be raw or cooked? (I've got cabbage, broccoli and cucumber, are these ok)?

1. How long would you keep them in run/house before letting them in garden?

1. Do you decide on their bedtime or will they go in naturally?

I'm sure I'll have more questions. I did loads of research and now they are here I feel like a new mum seeking reassurance and asking endless questions.

[blackrock]

Suggested answers:

1. Ours do this, we put rocks or old bricks where they have scrathed away, to stop anything getting in at night.

2.Raw, alsorts of greens.

1. We kept them one night, they did fly off a couple of time in fright at various things in the first week, after that no real problems.
2. Whichever is more convenient. If we are home, I go down at dusk, if we are going out I shut them in. Otherwise fox apetisers!

Our chickens like being at home. My DH once shut them outside (not sure how he managed thism they slept in the apple tree, we don;t wing clip unless they fly too much!)

[sylvev]

Thanks Blackrock, one of ours is desperate to get into garden. I assumed their wings had been clipped but I'll check with farm. I've just found some bricks behind the shed and I'll block up the hole now.

They are beginning to trust me, esp. as I am the food-bringer!

Thanks again.

[handlemecarefully]

I'd keep them in the run for at least 3 or 4 days before letting them free range - so that they have gotten the idea that it is their home