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Post by dw on May 2, 2017 16:49:56 GMT
Our birds are a year old and we'd like to let them out (probably only when we are home). If it were me, I'd just let them out BUT these are my hubby's pets!!! He also doesn't want to have to chase them in at night. Thanks for all your ideas!!!!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2017 17:18:57 GMT
They certainly know where their roost is by this point. Just keep some of their favorite treats and they will come running for it. We ring a bell and say, "here girls." They beat street to the coop.  |
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Post by Mari-in-IN on May 2, 2017 17:31:24 GMT
Don't worry... Once it gets late enough in the day they will go in on their own. I don't know your setup but perhaps the first few times stand out there with them and make sure all of them know the way back in to the pen/coop... I say this because our first coop is in a fenced in area and early on some of the birds "forgot" that they had to go back to the north side to get in through the opened gate.
Good luck!
~Mari
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Post by Maura on May 2, 2017 20:49:55 GMT
Chickens go home to roost.
There is a reason that is an old saying. As Mari in In wrote, they will instinctively go back to their perches. Once it is dark they will stop and stay where they are because they can't see a thing in the dark. Once they come in, count them. If there are any missing, go looking. You will be able to pick them up and move them.
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Post by Melissa on May 2, 2017 23:44:14 GMT
Yes, always feed inside the coop in the evening. It might help to have a light in there at first. Also with my younger chicks I let them out just a few hours before dark the first few days, gradually moving back a bit. If you call them when you feed they will learn to come to the sound of your voice. I can call my chickens to the pen from anywhere. Actually now they just come if they even see me. The girls say they know when I walk outside because all the chickens come running towards me!
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Post by aoconnor on May 3, 2017 1:37:12 GMT
I always leave a light on, plugging it in about an hour before dusk. Birds won't go into a dark coop.
I would let them out and just keep an eye on them. Are you talking chickens or other fowl?
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Post by dw on May 3, 2017 12:32:10 GMT
Chickens...only 8 and I think I could catch them all if needed, pretty tame group.
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