First few weeks in the pen

[topdraw2006 2]

After how many weeks do you open your small exit and entry hatches, my boss says says from day one as the can fly very early and will need to get back in but I'm not sure, what do you guys do? 

[hily 380]

We have them open from day one in our main pen .300 T0 400 BIRDS . our logic is as we have a number of buzzards  on the place and  as we are unable to place a top net on the pen we give the birds a better chance of dodging the raptors  and becoming streetwise plus we need them to get used to moving  into other woods on the place .  We do keep small pens closed with top nets  20 / 30 birds  until end Sep using these birds as callers to keep others from straying to far onto the moor

seems to have worked for us over the last 16 years . Of course your situation may be very different to ours .

[shovel leaner 7,650]

Unless your pen is netted on top , even if they are clipped some will get out . How will they get back in ? Unless you regularly walk them back in through your gate . I always have mine open. Listen to your boss , he sounds like he knows what he’s talking about . Trouble with some young keepers.... they start thinking !!!! Don’t do it , it’s a dangerous path , listen to the boss , do “exactly” what he says and you will go far in the job . Good luck , don’t mean to sound sarcastic , hope you have a good season. ATB

Edited July 24, 2019 by shovel leaner

[topdraw2006 2]

Thanks guys, I have two pens 

Pen 1 = 600

Pen 2 = 400

Will go with your advice and open from day one. 

Thanks again