Sarah B Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 (edited) Hi all, The girls have been here a week today and seem to be settling in very well now. Even though I have not had much contact as I work I tried grapes for the first time tonight and Tikka took one from my fingers! They still don't like being touched much yet though, but I'm going to let them out of the run for the first time at the weekend and thought I might try and pick them up at the weekend as I need to get them used to it for medical checks etc. Don't want to stress them out too much though! Any tips? I got my hanging feeders today but aside from broccoli (which they don't like) and cabbage what can you put in them as the gaps between the metal on the ball are quite wide? Isn't it funny that they have a pecking order lol, Tikka is deffo the boss and has to have the first choice of everything and the first choice of perch - poor old Madras! I'm so pleased I have got them and thanks for all the advice everyone has given me in this first week Edited March 6, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 If you want to pick them up, try gently lifting one out of the eggport just after they've put themselves to bed but before they are fast asleep - mine usually sleep in or near the nestbox, as it's less draughty away from the door. If you're unsure about picking them up, start by just stroking them so that they get used to human contact. Once they start crouching (about a week before they lay) they should be much more amenable to being stroked and also much easier to pick up and handle. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 Glad you are enjoying them. Just by spending time with you they will become more friendly. My new ones have been here two weeks and are now coming over to see what I'm doing when I'm digging in the garden and tonight one of them flew onto my shoulder! You can pick them up easier when it is dark and they are sleepy so that you can get used to holding them without them wriggling too much. I'm not sure what kind of feeder you mean, but mine love different types of cabbage and greens, cauliflower and corn on the cob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted March 6, 2008 Author Share Posted March 6, 2008 If you want to pick them up, try gently lifting one out of the eggport just after they've put themselves to bed but before they are fast asleep - mine usually sleep in or near the nestbox, as it's less draughty away from the door. If you're unsure about picking them up, start by just stroking them so that they get used to human contact. Well that was a weird thing this evening, I usually try to give them a quick stroke in the eglu at bedtime and tonight amongst the concerned BOK'ing and clucks was a funny sort of growl noise??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 Don't you just love their different noises Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted March 6, 2008 Author Share Posted March 6, 2008 Glad you are enjoying them. Just by spending time with you they will become more friendly. My new ones have been here two weeks and are now coming over to see what I'm doing when I'm digging in the garden and tonight one of them flew onto my shoulder! You can pick them up easier when it is dark and they are sleepy so that you can get used to holding them without them wriggling too much. I'm not sure what kind of feeder you mean, but mine love different types of cabbage and greens, cauliflower and corn on the cob. I think because I haven't spent much time with them because of work they are just not used to me, they are getting better though and I will endevour to be with them as much as poss over the weekend. I will get a selection of green veg for the feeders - are there any greens they shouldn't eat or is all green veg ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 No avocado...it is said to be poisonous to birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted March 6, 2008 Author Share Posted March 6, 2008 No avocado...it is said to be poisonous to birds. Thanks, do they eat non green veg like carrots? Is there a do and don't veg list somewhere like there is with the plants? Also is there one for fruit Egluntine? Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 No avocado...it is said to be poisonous to birds. Thanks, do they eat non green veg like carrots? Yes they do. Some people cook them first...their hens seem to prefer it. Is there a do and don't veg list somewhere like there is with the plants? Also is there one for fruit Egluntine? I don't think there is a list for either fruit or veg.......however, you shouldn't give them raw potatoes or raw potato peelings as they contain a toxin. They are from the Belladonna family. Cooking renders it harmless though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah B Posted March 6, 2008 Author Share Posted March 6, 2008 Don't you just love their different noises I was a bit concerned about the GRRRRRRRRR (in a BOK Cluck sort of way) lol But yes they make funny noises Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
