Grass in New Run

[bluemoon]

We've finished the new run!!! (only took three months ) it's far larger than the old one, which was only ever meant to be temporary, but because it's taken so long the grass in it is at least 2ft tall and covered in seeds, should I strim this down before moving the chooks in?

[Flummery]

I would. Long grass is usualy implicated in impacted crop. Give it a mowing and let them sort it out from then on.

[RichmondHens]

Yes I agree with Flum. Mow and rake off the cut grass. This will also expose all the yummy insects that have been hiding at the bottom which will delight your chooks!

[bluemoon]

Thank you, I'll do it tonight then move the house when they're in bed and let them into the new play-pen first thing tomorrow.

[Flummery]

I once heard of someone moving his hen house from one side of a small field to the other. The next night the hens all went and huddled miserably where their house USED to be - instead of going to where they could see it easily! Funny old things aren't they?

[bluemoon]

Fortunately they couldn't get to where the house used to be and although I let them straight out into the run I haven't let them out for a wander round the plot since it's been moved. Their main concern seemed to be 'I thought we'd got rid of all this green stuff, Sigh. Come on girls, looks like we've to start all over again'.