Kuikentje's little chickens

[Kuikentje]

Tonight I let them put themselves to bed. And they did! I think some of them used the perch last night but tonight they are all cuddled up in the same nestbox. I had to count them to make sure they were all there because two of them were almost hidden. No flash, I used a torch.

[Kuikentje]

Today's new thing was dried mealworms (I must find a cheaper supplier than Countrywide Farmers). I threw in a few to see what they would make of them. They came running over and looked very carefully - eventually, out of courtesy, they tried a little; they finished them off, and that was that, I thought - it is meant to be a treat after all. Then the two little boys from next door came to see them and my husband wanted me to give the chickens a few more mealworms for the boys to see them pecking at them. So I scattered just a few, and they positively fell on them, and they were gone in seconds.
This is a useful tool to have in my kit, I think.

Today they have been sunbathing, I was a bit worried at first because they were almost flat out - only prevented from actually falling over by the fact that they were all leaning on each other, like a house of cards - but no, off they go running round the pen when they've had enough sunshine. There is plenty of shade if they wish it so clearly the sun is their choice today.

[Linda S]

Hi have you got £ shops near you they are packs of 80grms but by far the best is hOmE bargains 100grms for the same price
20grms doesnt sound much but once they get a taste for the crunchy critters then evey grm counts
They are a very good source of protein and i think every hen counts them as their undoubted right for being such lovely girls(well mine do and of course they're right) Lindaxx

[KarenE]

Your little chickens are gorgeous!

I agree completely about mealworms, I always have to have a couple of packets in and as Linda said, ££ shops and Home & Bargains are the best. Just grab them whenever they have them in stock, as you can't always count on them being in.

They've essential for bribery but I tend to use them mostly whenever my girls are going through a moult, as it gives them a protein boost.

karen

[Kuikentje]

I would never even have thought of a £ shop or Home Bargains, thank you.

Must see if my son uses them for fishing.

[Kuikentje]

I can't resist another photograph of them all tucked up in bed

[Linda S]

They are such lovely little hens, do you know if they are they all girls Lindaxx

[Kuikentje]

Yes, they are. Ivy, Lottie, Sarah, Alice and Dot, named after our, and other people's, mums.

[Kuikentje]

This morning I went out at 05.45 to let the chickens out and they were out already! I was shocked to realise that last night I forgot to close the pop-hole . I cannot believe I made such an elementary error, and it will not happen again - I am too shaken to repeat that mistake, when I realise what might have happened. I don't think we have any foxes round here, but I expect there are rats.

They dived into the feeder as soon as I put it in the run. They had probably been expecting it to be there as soon as they went out, whatever time that was. Another lesson learnt. Anybody can forget something important if they aren't concentrating.

[kitla]

aww they look so sweet all sleepy & cuddled up together.

[sandy]

Hello oh my goodness what adorable girls you have Like you said eggs are a bonus, reading your story eggs or no YES you are a true chicken lover who definetly has chickenitus, looking forward to their contuniung story

[Kuikentje]

Another first today, pity I missed it. Rain. It has rained for the first time in the 11 days since I've had the girls. I know the little one, Sarah, hadn't even been out of doors till we got her. So definitely a first time for her.

My husband said they were so funny. They all ran round and round the day run, cheeping frantically and flapping their wings and shaking their heads, and he watched them to see how long it would take for the penny to drop that if they went down to the covered end of the run, they could get out of the rain. Eventually they did so and the last time he looked at them they were all together in the cardboard box, under the tarpaulin.

They seem to be okay in slight drizzle and no doubt as they get bigger and stronger they will put up with slightly heavier rain, too, though living where we do they might be better off being ducks.

[aishakali]

That conjurs up a great picture

[julie62]

I love your photo's ... so so cute.

[Kuikentje]

Today was a big day. This was the day I had planned to let them free-range for the first time. As late as this afternoon I wasn't sure I would - it has been unusually windy and cold and squally today, not the weather for standing outside supervising chickens. I had a brainwave this morning. I bought a cat carrier and placed it in the day run. I thought that they might decide to put themselves in there towards evening, and then I could just shut the front and lift them into their home run later, and in any case it will be handy to have.
In the event it wasn't needed. I lifted the day run and let them out (pictures below). They thoroughly enjoyed the outing, with a little too much flapping of wings for my peace of mind. I don't think they know yet that they can fly.

They had a lovely hour or so exploring the top end of the garden, but then I had to go out and I decided to get them into their home run. A few mealworms did the trick. They had already found their way there so would know where to go if there was a panic. That was enough time for my nerves on the first occasion.