First day out!

[Flummery]

Three of the ladies (the other was under my feet, where else!) on their first morning out in the run. I thought maybe 3 - 4 days in was a bit extreme but I think it has a lot to recommend it. The first couple of days they hung back, away from the door, and stayed mostly on the perches or in the nest box. By last night they were trying to shove past me as I poo-picked and scattered a bit of mixed corn for supper. They were well ready for an adventure!
Amber, the paler one, seems to be top chook so far. She was first down the ladder, first on the perch, and first back up the ladder (just to see if I'd scattered anything OTHER than Easibed in the house after I cleaned it out!)

[Nicos]

They look like they're really enjoying exploring!!!

Great innit???

[HayleyB]

Happy hens in a posh run..... lovely

[Two_Sheds]

Lovely, Flum. I bet you're having so much fun with them.

I'm working out how I can persuade Mr Sheds to knock down our garage (which is full of junk) and build a chicken house

I wonder if he'd notice if I just did it?

[Nicos]

I wonder if he'd notice if I just did it?

When's he back????

[Pumpkin Becki]

Oh Flum, how lovely. Have you got a deckchair set up outside the run (just so you can keep an eye on them)?

[Snadger]

Once the water gets down a bit in that dish they'll tip it all over.

Good to see them outsde Flum!

[Flummery]

I've got an old green garden chair out there Becki - but so far I've just gone in to stand with them. Two of them let me stroke them but the ohter two are still a bit wary. I can see them from here too - got to do the ironing this afternoon so I'll set up the ironing board in the dining room and watch them! It's really great.

The bucket was bought from the chook man. He uses them so I know the girls would be comfortable with it. It's nearly full and is shorter and wider than a standard bucket so it should be stable. I think it would need all four on each others shoulders to tip it at the moment! I have one of the green and white upside-down type drinkers too but they are getting on fine with the bucket so I'll leave well alone I think.

Go on Two Sheds - sledge hammer and skip - then you can use the garage space for something good!

[Pumpkin Becki]

You're making me so envious Flum. I spoke to my breeder yesterday and she said the POLs won't be ready til September, and I do so want Orpingtons. (repeats to self 'Must be more patient...')

[Flummery]

Someone at the other end of our village has Orpingtons - they are so big and fluffy - almost knee height! I get the impression that they are big softies though?

[Pumpkin Becki]

Someone at the other end of our village has Orpingtons - they are so big and fluffy - almost knee height! I get the impression that they are big softies though?

...and so big they don't try to fly (allegedly). I keep saying to people 'they're as big as a labrador', they don't believe me.

[Eyren]

Someone at the other end of our village has Orpingtons - they are so big and fluffy - almost knee height! I get the impression that they are big softies though?

The lady who took on our troublesome bantams said that her Orpy boys get bullied by the pekin bantam cockerels. An Orpington weighs about 9lbs, a pekin cockerel is about 1.5lbs...

[Pumpkin Becki]

The lady who took on our troublesome bantams said that her Orpy boys get bullied by the pekin bantam cockerels. An Orpington weighs about 9lbs, a pekin cockerel is about 1.5lbs...

I've heard that as well Eyren, easily bullied. Some i'm only going to keep Orpies rather than mix them. Bless Em!

[BilboWaggins]

I can see them from here too - got to do the ironing this afternoon so I'll set up the ironing board in the dining room and watch them! It's really great.

Definitely Hen Heaven!

When you've done your ironing, please come and tackle mine. I can also offer a Room with a View, although no hens yet (giggling stupidly)

[lizzylemon]

They are lovely girls Flummery, and your new coop is 10 out of 10. I wish you'd made yours 1st - I could have nicked your ideas or at least shown the hubby as examples to aim for. I'm sure you're all going to be very happy.