The big wide world!!!!

As here in the UK, we are suffering with a 2-day heat wave, I decided that it would be a good idea to allow the chicks (back feathers accounted for) to have some time in the outdoor sun. Their run had been especially built (and almost finished) for the occasion. It seemed a shame to leave them in the shed.

So yesterday morning I rushed to find something to use as a roof for the coop and decided on a simple sheet of ply; it fit perfectly. I then turned my attention to the run, the holes in the chicken wire I had used did seem on the big side. A stoat or a weasel could easily get in so I put some netting over that and all was ready.

In pairs, they were placed into the coop and the roof was placed on top. They screeched and screeched - and then silence. Mr. Knobbly Knees, with his shorts on, opened the coop door and we waited ... and waited ... and waited. They did not seem at all keen to venture past the safety of the four walls of their santuary. So we took seats (it seemed like a sensible idea).

Huddled in their coop.

As we watched them, they peered out of the run on numerous occasions checking to see what it was all about, I suppose. Every now and then they would be faced with a rather large hybrid hen on the other side of the wire. This must have been a scarey sight as they had never seen a grown chicken before and the size difference is rather immense!

Peering out into the big wide world.

Slowly they ventured further and futher (I think having their food in the run area helped here) and soon they were all outside having a good nosey about to see what was what.

Out for the first time.

As soon as they realised that the amount of space they had here was much more substantial than inside the shed, they took full advantage and spread their wings - literally. This is indeed a funny thing to watch. Their co-ordination is not what you would call good. They run, they jump, they fly and they land - normally head first and frequently on the feeder, on the ramp and against the walls of the coop. This, however, does not stop them from trying again. When they are all at it, it is advisable to wear a nappy - laughing becomes mandatory!!