The pullets are out in the backyard. The introduction to free-ranging is being supervised by the boys. Not having done this before, I am going slow.
The first step was to let the girls work the backyard in movable playpens, once used for the Boarder Collie pups. They seem just big enough to let the pullets move and hunt those bugs which they have just discovered. Chickens do not tolerate heat so we start in the shade and follow it till noon then back into the coops they go, it's going to be 100 today. This requires a lot of handling which is good for them to get use to. I must say I am out numbered in this process, but I know that soon, they will start putting themselves away at dusk just like the Roosters.
I let them enjoy this activity for a few days without the Roosters, then let the them out at the same time. They were quite the gentlemen!
Of course they had to put on a show, puffing up their feathers. . .
. . . and flapping their wings.
The young hens enjoyed the display. Every so often one would fly out and the Roosters went about their activity. I think if I take my time the Roosters will be able to teach them about our land, the places to hide, the places to find bugs, they will also sound the alarm when needed. By fall these young hens will become hens then a new plan will unfold.
To mentoring. . .
~ Deb
P.S. Don't forget to enter our current book giveaway: This Moose Belongs to Me
*Last time in Barn Stories: Vultures
