Re: New pullets

AriesVal wrote:
We recently bought a few point of lay Black Rock pullets which we are
keeping in a good sized 5' high wired fenced run for the time being
until they start to lay, but one was out morning and we had the
dickens of a job getting her back with the others. We've not had
this problem before with other commercial breeds. Should we clip
their wings before we let them free range in case they fly into the
field behind our land and possibly be eaten by foxes or disappear in
the distance for ever?


They need to range, Black Rocks are free ranging birds. Why are they being confined until they lay? our birds are out ranging from 9 weeks old and would be earlier if our weather was not so bad.
You can contain them behind a 4ft electric netting but they can certainly get onto a 5 ft wire fence. They are strong birds.
They are not aiming to escape anywhere, just get to more interesting range.
The feed should be in the house, so they will come back to feed, come back to shelter, come back at night and come back to lay. They will range around -- not away, they will get favourite spots at different times of the day.
They do not go off to disappear into the distance but, yes, they do like a good area to range around in.
--
regards
Jill Bowis

Domestic Poultry and Waterfowl Solutions
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine Nursery
Seasonal Farm Food
http://www.kintaline.co.uk

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