Amy commented that perhaps the bamboo is too slippery for the chicks to grip as a night time perch and maybe that’s why they are reluctant to perch at night. Sometimes it just needs someone to point something out to you and then it seems obvious. Thank you Amy.
Today I went to the pound shop for another broom handle. This is what the perches are on the wooden shelter and the chicks like to perch on those. I cut it down to size and sanded the cut end. Luckily it just fit through the slots in the trough. It was a really tight fit and I had to force it through which is really good because it needs no wire and is really secure. It looks much more fit for purpose and much neater too.
The box has a new perch and fresh shavings
I intend to go out tonight and see if I can get them to perch on it.
Yesterday I closed the gate and the wire at the far end of the run so that this half of the run is now closed to the main flock. I then opened the hatch and shooed the chicks through to the other part of the run.
The chicks venture out into the bigger part of the run
They didn’t get any further than this before they ran back in. I decided to leave the hatch open and let them discover it in their own time.
I went out at five o’clock this morning as usual to let them out then returned to bed. I returned at half past seven and was surprised to be greeted by both flocks at the bottom of the run. Well done chicks!
I was surprised to see the chicks at the bottom of the run
Blue is looking out at the garden
She seems mesmerised
It has been good to see them in both parts of the run today. Their world is gradually getting bigger. Over the weekend I may switch the flocks to opposite sides to get the chicks familiar with the entire run. I feel they are ready to venture further to get them ready for eventual integration. They have come a long way already.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
New perch looks really smart. Looking forward to seeing them using it!
I am pleased with it but the proof is in the pudding. Can I get them using it. Watch this space as I seem to be saying frequently at the moment. I will report back.
It is lovely to see the chicks down the bottom of the run, waiting to greet you.
It is lovely and they are much more confidant around me now. I managed to get Sienna perching last night and she was still on the perch this morning so that’s a start. Just need the other two to follow her lead.
This is so lovely to see!
Tx
It is lovely. They are now discovering where the patches of sun, to sit in, are in the bigger part of the run.