The not-so-Littlees are having a whale of a time at the Allotment. This meant we could scrub and disinfect the Eglu ready for the Tinees, and we've started started letting then outside onto the grass (within the safety of the Eglu run) for a couple of hours, if the weather is warm enough.
Getting them back out again was a bit of a challenge. I forgot that, with the Lttlees, we only put half the run on to start with, so we could reach inside and catch them as necessary. I tried shooing them into the Eglu so that I could shut the door and get them out through the nest bos - but they weren't having it. I tried crawling in the run, but it was just too damned awkward. In the end, I had to herd them to the front of the run, then put a bamboo cane like a limbo bar across the inside of the run. It toolk them a few seconds to work out that they could easily hop over it or limbo under it, but in those precisous seconds I was able to scoop up a couple of them and remove them. I repeated this exercise a number of times, until I had all but three of them out. Then Norman made a break for it, and dashed off, followed by one of his step-siblings who dashed the other way.
This was rather scary, as we were close by our huuuuge Pampas grass, and if they got in there, I'd never find them again. Not until they emerged as fully grown chickens, anyway. Fortunately, Norman just ran round tehe edge of the Eglu, so while he made his way back round, I was able to launch myself and "grab" his sibling before he escaped. When Norman realised that I was waiting for him, he turned round and did that chicky waddle off in the opposite diirection, and I was able to lean over and scoop him up.
It took me nearly thirty minutes in total. Good job I think they are cute.
This morning we discussed whether to shorten the run, but decided against it as there are 7 of them and it wouldn't really be big enough. Instead, we've taken the run clips off one section, so it opens out like a book. We've re-secured it with Velcro cable ties, so it should still be safe. And we've taken then rain roof off, as we're only putting them out in good weather at the moment anyway.
They are growing fast. One of the brown-eggers now looks more like hisher blue-egg siblings. Norman still sticks out like a sore thumb, although hs/e is getting lovely black feathers on his wingtips.
I'll try and take some pics today, in the meantime here's a pic from a week ago
Just done a quick calendar check.
Today, Friday 2nd October:
The Not-So-Littlees are 8 weeks and 1 day old
The Tinees are 3 weeks and 2 days old
Norman is 1 week 6 days old
Getting them back out again was a bit of a challenge. I forgot that, with the Lttlees, we only put half the run on to start with, so we could reach inside and catch them as necessary. I tried shooing them into the Eglu so that I could shut the door and get them out through the nest bos - but they weren't having it. I tried crawling in the run, but it was just too damned awkward. In the end, I had to herd them to the front of the run, then put a bamboo cane like a limbo bar across the inside of the run. It toolk them a few seconds to work out that they could easily hop over it or limbo under it, but in those precisous seconds I was able to scoop up a couple of them and remove them. I repeated this exercise a number of times, until I had all but three of them out. Then Norman made a break for it, and dashed off, followed by one of his step-siblings who dashed the other way.
This was rather scary, as we were close by our huuuuge Pampas grass, and if they got in there, I'd never find them again. Not until they emerged as fully grown chickens, anyway. Fortunately, Norman just ran round tehe edge of the Eglu, so while he made his way back round, I was able to launch myself and "grab" his sibling before he escaped. When Norman realised that I was waiting for him, he turned round and did that chicky waddle off in the opposite diirection, and I was able to lean over and scoop him up.
It took me nearly thirty minutes in total. Good job I think they are cute.
This morning we discussed whether to shorten the run, but decided against it as there are 7 of them and it wouldn't really be big enough. Instead, we've taken the run clips off one section, so it opens out like a book. We've re-secured it with Velcro cable ties, so it should still be safe. And we've taken then rain roof off, as we're only putting them out in good weather at the moment anyway.
They are growing fast. One of the brown-eggers now looks more like hisher blue-egg siblings. Norman still sticks out like a sore thumb, although hs/e is getting lovely black feathers on his wingtips.
I'll try and take some pics today, in the meantime here's a pic from a week ago
Today, Friday 2nd October:
The Not-So-Littlees are 8 weeks and 1 day old
The Tinees are 3 weeks and 2 days old
Norman is 1 week 6 days old
