We got chickens in 2008, my husband framed off part of the barn, for their house. It's a big house, and since we have two dogs, we never turned our chickens out. We ordered new chicks last spring, they now share the house with the remaining first flock. They've never really taken to me, maybe they're still just a little high strung because they're young. Maybe it's because I had a 10 month old when they arrived, and didn't handle them a whole lot when they were little. Either way, they would move away when I'd come to the chicken house, and only come over if I offered up treats (Strawberry tops, and pea pods, or crusty old bread).
But, early last week, I decided I'd try to let them out, if they eat bugs, they'll get more protein. The weather has been so unusually warm, why not let them out. My better behaved dog is free to roam all day, my naughty dog, is tied up, unless I'm outside (she likes to head off towards town, and she's a great hunter). So, I let them out. They love it! The dogs tend to leave them alone, but I watched carefully for the first two days to make sure. They've found all kinds of dirt to roll around in, and things to scratch at. Loose corn to clean up, and freshly greened grass, to snack on. Now, when I come over, even empty handed, they flock to me. I don't know if they're just thanking me, or if I'm less intimidating, out in the open. But, they're happy, and our feed bill should drop some. I sure hope our egg customers like their eggs this way, because they'll be able to go outside until next winter.
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