Mary Fisher wrote:
"Keith Kent" <nospam@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:XI2Eh.25704$OK6.14410@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
I have got my first two hens,light sussex.They are safely tucked
away at the moment.Is it a good idea to let them get used to us and
there new surroundings before we let them out of the run and roam
the garden supervised?Or will they stay nearby anyway.My only worry
is my neighbours two border collies which have the run of there
garden,they have never escaped though.We have a 6 ft hedge and fence.
Thanks Keith
If your garden is secure there's no reason why the hens can't roam
free. They might be alarmed for a time when they see or hear the dogs
but they'll get used to it.
They will quickly learn to tease the pair from the safety of their own
side!!
In general you can let birds out within a few days of getting used to
their new surroundings
If you let them out in the afternoon they will mooch around close to the
house before returning to roost at dusk
Birds work back and forth from their house all day
-- the house should be where their food is [layers pellets/mash in a
hanging or wall secured hopper and a constant supply]
-- the house is where they will lay
-- the house is where they will shelter in the rain or the heat unless
there is good shelter elsewhere
-- the house is where they will roost
Enjoy your birds
--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk
Thanks for the advise,they won`t come out of the house and i got them out