New Chickens from Free Range farm

[miss_corerupted]

HI all, just spent all weekend trying to make the chicken rum fox/dog/cat proof!! Hopefull y we have succedded. We have let the chickens out and they love it!!! I will take some photos in a min. I have a few questions

Should I let them out all day or just some?
We haven't had eggs for a week could they be moulting?
If they are how long does it last??
Can I put a duck/goose in with them (i'm thinking egg and meat type)

I have named a few so far we have Persephone, Abraxas (Greek god with a Chicken head) and my step son had named 1 sporticus

[KimT]

How long have you had your chooks and are they ex batts?

[miss_corerupted]

Not ex batts free range (appently) We've had them about a week, loads of tail feathers in the shed with them

[Flummery]

If they are all tail feathers it sounds like they could be plucking each other's feathers. Make sure they have plenty to do - places to perch, hanging CDs to peck at, somewhere to dust bathe - all in the run. They will be less likely to feather peck. It could be a moult but most birds seem to moult in autumn/winter (just when you'd think they would appreciate the warmth!)

If you've only had them a week they could be settling down - that might be why you have no eggs. How old are they?

If you are absolutely sure you have no fox problem you can let them out all day. If you do have foxes, only let them out when you are there to keep an eye out.

I'm sure they'll settle down soon.

[davefromthechipie]

Can you take some pics of the chickens ? could be easyer to tell if they are moulting / age etc..

[Eyren]

Can I put a duck/goose in with them (i'm thinking egg and meat type)

Ducks need a pond, or at least access to plenty of fresh water daily, and are very messy and boisterous compared to chickens. I imagine geese are even worse! If you are new to chicken-keeping, I would suggest sticking with chooks to begin with.

[miss_corerupted]

ok no ducks then!! I'll take some photos in a min.

I think they are approx 1 year old the farm changes stock when they start to slow down(i think)
They were in for a while whilst we purchased chicken mesh and electric fence so prephaps n o eggs because they were sulking lol

named anothe 3, Kentucky, Caeser, and Chassuer (not my choice)

They are funny to watch