can I ask?

[raine]

Ok, I know it's only day 1 for the chooks but at the moment, 2 of them won't come out of the coop! Yesterday, they were put straight into the run and I picked them up and put them in the coop at night. Should I lift the out or let them come out in their own time? one of them has been sitting in the nest box all morning and hasn't moved. I'm worried 'cos the food/water is outside (no room inside) What do all you grapes advise?

[Glutton4...]

If she hasn't come out in a couple of hours, I'd suggest putting her outside. Mine would stay in the nest-box when I first got them, and were reluctant to leave the coop. They'll soon get the hang of it, it's just strange for them at the moment, but once they realize there is food and water outside they'll be out like a shot .

[vicky]

I think it took a few days for my ex batts to get the ideas of going outside, through the pop hole. Maybe put the food and water inside till they get the hang of it....however, I don't think it would do any harm to 'help' they come outside if you're impatient!

[raine]

Great-Thanks!

[raine]

Guess what, guess what- said chicken came out of nest box and down the ramp, leaving behind.....AN EGG!! How excited are we! Ok I know that technically it's still a battery egg, it taking time for thingsto get out of their system BUT it's the first time that our hen has had the chance to lay on soft straw, had the choice of where to lay etc,etc so it's a sort of HAPPY battery egg. Great,great, great

[lynda66]

Guess what, guess what- said chicken came out of nest box and down the ramp, leaving behind.....AN EGG!! How excited are we! Ok I know that technically it's still a battery egg, it taking time for thingsto get out of their system BUT it's the first time that our hen has had the chance to lay on soft straw, had the choice of where to lay etc,etc so it's a sort of HAPPY battery egg. Great,great, great

*wipes a ikkle tear ....... that just got me all emotional

[Eyren]

How wonderful - no wonder they didn't want to come outside! I'm sure they'll settle in very quickly once they get over the change of surroundings

[Hans Mum]

they will take a day or 2 to work out whats what, they dont know how to be chickens yet, a little gentle helping hand will help things along....and i know its not technically a free range egg but its better than where they were yesterday morning and its still a good feeling isnt it?

[MaureenHall]

Well you're obviously doing the right thing and the little lady that gave you her first freedom egg should have a very special cuddle They'll settle down into a new routine far quicker than you imagine, and by next weekend it'll be as if they've lived there all their lives

[raine]

guess what? came back from lottie and --there was another egg! We were so thrilled but, like you all said, it's not just about that. We are quite chuffed just to see them scratching about!