when?

[pinkprincess]

an odd one here. We got our chooks yesterday and they appear to be settling in ok but this morning we were woken by a knock on our door by a neighbour advising us our chickens might be thirsty as she had noticed that they were still in thier house.
It was quarter to eight which for us is a lay in as we are normally up between 5:10 and 6:45 depending on shift patterns, but it has now got me to wondering what time other people let thier chooks into thier run each morning?

[pdblake]

Usually around 7.30ish

[poppy_lillysmum]

Hi i let mine out at about 7 each morning. The latest has been about 8.30

[shirlthegirl43]

Ours didn't get let out till 9.40 the other day as we overslept They are usually out at about 8 and this morning they had an early start at 5.45

[di]

Ours are usually out between 7:00 & 7:30 during the week,but then have to put up with a lay in at the weekend...usually between 8 & 9!

[DJ_Chook]

6:15am I'm an early bird, naturally up at that time.

[MaureenHall]

Anything between 6.30 and 7.30. I've been leaving "the boys" and growers till around 9 so that Basil wouldn't cock-a-doodle-doooooooooo quite so early - but guess what - he was crowing at 6.30 in the little dark coop! Time for plan B I think (though I don't know what that is yet)

[Nicos]

9- 9.30!!!!...but I'm determined mine won't be supper for the foxes!

mine have water and food available all the time though- food hanging- and water on the floor- it's a room 6ft cubed- so it's not a little coop.
Have you thought about a bunny water feeder?? apparently it doesn't take chooks long to learn to drink from them and could be kept inside the coop.
I suppose the other concern with the smaller coops is that with the warmer weather here, that the coops get hot inside?????

I guess your chooks didn't really need water that early- just an over caring neighbour????
oh- and Maureen- my boys can be heard crowing at midnight- and 2am onwards!!!

Glad to hear you have you chooks pinkprincess- bet you're thoroughly enjoying having them!!!!!

[MaureenHall]

oh- and Maureen- my boys can be heard crowing at midnight- and 2am onwards!!!

Think I'll get him a gag then

[Hilary B]

I never had chooks fully shut in. They always had access to at least a tiny 'run' area, and that is where the water was.
'Helpful and concerned' neighbours can sometimes be rather trying......

[Suechooks]

Between 6 and 6.15 depending on when I get to the allotment. I let them out then exercise the dogs then home for a leisurely breakfast and read the paper - the joys of being a retired person (ie old!)

[pinkprincess]

we placed it in a shady place so that it wouldnt get hot and I know she was just tyrying to be helpful. Might try the rabbit feeder bottle though. We have only had them today and hated leaving them to come to work. Love just sitting watching them

[NSB]

I read chickens dont eat and drink during the night.

[Nicos]

I read chickens dont eat and drink during the night.

I understood that to be the case too!
Mind you- if they have to stay indoor for a little while longer in the mornings, it's always handy to have something to eat and drink.
NB- food should be 'hanging' to reduce the risk of rats...although if they can smell the food- and eggs, then they'd be there anyway wouldn't they ????( if they can get in)

[vicky]

Mine have a auto pop hole opener thingy, if you ever have a lie in again put the water into the coup the night before to stop your neighbours worrying!