The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: mowhaugh on September 27, 2013, 12:20:10 pm

Title: When do I let them out?
Post by: mowhaugh on September 27, 2013, 12:20:10 pm

I have a hen with two chicks in a large hen arc within my hen area, the mummy hen is desperate to be back out with her pals, I am just wondering when it is safe to let them out.  The chicks are almost 5 weeks old.

Title: Re: When do I let them out?
Post by: shygirl on September 27, 2013, 12:46:36 pm

i would let them out, theres always a danger but mum should look after them.
we lost alot when we put our 10 week old chicks out for the first time (incy bred) as a village cat was climbing a 6ft fence and killing them.
we have also let the chicks out with mum on their first week with no problems.
just fingers crossed.  :fc:

Title: Re: When do I let them out?
Post by: CameronS on September 27, 2013, 12:57:11 pm

my dayolds with mums get to run with the rest of the group from day one - i've never had any problems surrounding this

Title: Re: When do I let them out?
Post by: mowhaugh on September 28, 2013, 07:54:09 pm

Thanks for the advice, I did try to let them out today, they didn't go but had the option! All the other hens did go into their arc though.

Title: Re: When do I let them out?
Post by: in the hills on September 29, 2013, 08:53:34 am

I think it depends on how large the main area is. Are they in a run or true free ranging? True free range over a large area is less likely to cause problems as mum and chicks will probably stay together well away from the rest of the flock .... until mum knows it's the right time to leave her chicks to it. Then the chicks usually avoid the main flock to start with.


I would be more careful if they are in a run.

Title: Re: When do I let them out?
Post by: mowhaugh on September 30, 2013, 09:09:07 pm

The area they are in is about half an acre. Going well so far, thanks for the advice.