The Poultry Keeper

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

I'm beginnig to think I've been doing something wrong Sad

When we first got our girls I asked my Dad for advice as he's had ducks, chickens and geese.

I was asking about how to get them in on a night etc and he mentioned put water and food in the house for the first few nights so they will know where home is.
And I do still sprinkle a few growers pellets and chickweed in but have been omitting the water.

Am I doing wrong? Should they have food and water available throughout the night?

Apologies for my ignorance.

Debs

NannyP · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 12:36 am Post subject:

Mine have access to both, but as long as you let them out for food and water at a reasonable hour, they'll be fine. They sleep during darness, and wake as it becomes light. Unlike cats, they cannot see in the dark, so will not be eating or drinking Very Happy

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

phew! Thank goodness for that, thank you nanny

I let them out at about 9.30 after I've done the nursery run - is that reasonable time do you think?

Debs

NannyP · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 12:43 am Post subject:

Okay without food til then, but it would be good if they could have water. Does it get light in there bedroom Laughing

If it does, they'll be awake quite early.
In the winter, they sleep for loads of dark hours, but once they're awake, water is more important than food.

What am I doing here, I'm so tired Confused

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

Brill! Will start putting water in with them. Thanks for your advice Nanny.

I'm going to bed now too - as the boys will be up at stupid o'clock Surprised

)

Night all

CP · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 1:16 am Post subject:

Ours don't have food or water overnight, but my OH always lets them out early then they can eat & drink ad-lib all day. Very Happy

The cockerels don't get let out until 10am, to keep the neighbours happy, but they get water.

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 7:49 am Post subject:

Mine have food in the house, but not water !!!

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

mine have neither food nor water in the house and are let out into their run about 7.45. The only ones that ever have food in the house are the broodies and the chicks.

thewinkingtiger · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 936 Location: East Yorkshire, UK

Thanks everyone for your tips and sharing your practices.
I don't feel so bad now!
But as I can't let them out earlier than 9.30 I think I will put water in with them because they do seem thirsty when they come out.

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:47 am Post subject:

Mine get kicked out at 6.00am !!!
In winter I only ever see them on Sat & Sun, as its dark when i go to work & dark when i get home ! Sad

NannyP · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:48 am Post subject:

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:50 am Post subject:

NannyP · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:51 am Post subject:

Knobby · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:52 am Post subject:

NannyP · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:00 am Post subject:

nasty, horrid boy