We shall not be moved

[Hashette]

Oh dear. This morning was dreadfully windy. Warm, admittedly, but if you've never experienced wind before as my ex-bats haven't, then it was pretty scary. They were rescued a week ago on Saturday, so everything is new and strange for them. For the past few days, all of them have come out as soon as I opened the pop hole, but a maximum of three have managed to put themselves to bed at night.

The food and water is outside the chook house, down a ramp. Only one of them had come out when I left for work, and when I got home (6pm, so going dark) only two were out, one of whom was the same girl who came out this morning. The wind died down mid-day, so it is entirely possible that all four came out during the day whilst I was at work and put themselves to bed this evening, but as that would be a first, it's pretty unlikely on a day like today.

What do I do tomorrow morning if they don't all come out by the time I have to leave? I'm only too aware that if anyone didn't come out today, then they can't survive two days without food and water

[Flummery]

Could you put some in the henhouse for them under the circumstances? Expect to have to give it a good clean out though!

[BarleySugar]

Hate to sound callous, but the urge to eat and drink is pretty strong in all animals. I doubt very much they will stay in if they get really hungry and/or thirsty, the instinct to survive will overcome the fear, especially as they have all come out before.

[dozey1]

Hashette i had the same problem yesterday but i put their food and water int he shed just to make sure. This morning they all came out but had spilt their water everywhere but at least i know they weren't hungry.. :-0

[Hashette]

Trades union chooks this morning - one out, all out

[dozey1]

They are truly unbelieveable aren't they. They are so clever.. Well done chooks.. Hashette wheres your piccies then

[Hashette]

Here

Right, I'm off home. The sudden lack of motivation to stay late in the office since 11th October has been commented on

[Flummery]

Ah bless! What a strange and puzzling world it must be for them after being squashed in cages for all their short lives so far.

[Glutton4...]

Hey Hashette, fab pics - they look lovely!

My Chook house arrived yesterday, I've just got to put it together. Fencing arrived today, and the good news is I've just heard I'm on the list for the end of November - I can't wait!

[Hashette]

I know, Flummery, it's amazing how quickly their instincts are coming back. All four put themselves to bed tonight, and both the eggs they laid were in or reasonably close to the nest box, which involves walking all the way back up the ramp to lay. Brilliant girls or what?

Great news Glutton I'm so pleased! I'm not sure where you are but as bits of Essex are reasonably near Royston, if you're around my way between then and now please give me a shout and come and see my girls.