New hens

[elizajay]

My new hens, Doris in front and behind from left Margot, Maud and April.

They will be kept in the run for 5 days and let them have some free range time from Sunday.

It didn't take them long to learn about the treadle feeder.

They seem to get on well despite being at rather close quarters at the moment, but Doris is clearly in charge. Maybe that will change when the others start laying. I am delighted with Doris' pale blue eggs.

[Nannysally99]

Good luck with them, they look lovely

[elizajay]

I let my new ladies out last night a bit before sunset so I could clean the coop and they had such fun they were reluctant to return home.

I had to bribe them in with corn and then they missed closing time of the automatic pop hole. I have let them out this morning, washed the run floor and they are gradually exploring their surroundings. I fear they will be very destructive and spent time last night considering the merits of electric fencing v the price

[frias]

Electric fencing is worth every penny. Had mine a few years now. I know the fox has been around as his claw marks were in the mud one morning. Both of my son's dogs have touched the fence. Neither will even walk on my lawn now they are so frightened of the fence.

[Scarlet]

I've a fan of the electric fence too! Not only does it stop the fox, it will keep your hens in and you can move it about to give them fresh ground.

[Ja9]

They look lovely hens and blue eggs are fab. I never tire if mine.i keep mine well away from flower / veg beds in the summer as you can only indulgently watch them scratching up your plants for so long.I use non-electric fencing to section off the garden but only have them out when I'm around. It's still taking a risk with foxes but they have 1/3 acre this way.Electric fence sounds a good option for a smaller area.

[Scarlet]

Electric fencing comes in all lengths. Mine is fifty metres with an extra 10 metres tagged on. I use this as 3 sides of fencing with a barn wall to make up the 4th side. It makes a very secure large area that can be used all day long. I can also divide the area within with mesh fencing to section off areas for broodies, chicks younger birds etc.

..I wouldn't be without mine, you don't have to put the chickens away if you're popping out to the shops etc. Its not only foxes you have to worry about, a dog on the loose can be as bad. They really are worth every penny.