4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[lisaroo2]

Morning All! Have survived first night as new chook mum!

 

But... have noticed that Daisy (the youngest) seems to be resting more than the others. She's just sitting in the run having a preen or watching the world go by whilst the other two are busy pecking around her. Daisy's even had a quick snooze in the eglu too this morning. She's eating and drinking and looks ok. I'm just wondering if she's lazy or they were partying last night and she's suffering from the after effects?

 

Lisa

(new mum to Daisy, Maisie and Rosie in )

 

Ps will post pics soon, still trying to figure out how to do it!

[LesleyH]

She may just be tired - but it sounds a wee bit odd. You could try her with some marmite on toast for breakfast - it de-stresses them and may help her 'settle in'.

[lisaroo2]

Thanks Lesley - will try that!

 

She's back in the eglu now. When I go out to the pop hole she runs back out into the run. I've rang where I bought her from and they've told me not to worry too much, it could be that she's just last in the pecking order and she's keeping out of the way of the others. She's eating and drinking ok and looks to be healthy.

 

Will try not to worry too much

 

Lisa

new chook mum to Daisy, Maisie, Rosie

[Mrs Frugal]

Are you sure that she is she managing the drinker OK? When Jenny and Clarry first arrived, Jenny got pretty badly dehydrated in the first few days because she couldn't work out how to use the glug so I put an old dog bowl of water into the run for her as it couldn't be knocked over and she soon perked up.

[ubereglu]

That's a good idea Kate. Mine had that trouble with the old style peanut drinkers too, until I pushed Starlet's beak into it-then she realised it was water. It might also help if you put it lower down so they can see what's inside it.

 

Definitely give them some water in something else, like a pet bowl or something.

[Abbey Road Girl]

When I refill the Glug some water spills down the side and the hens all go for it! It may be a good idea to associate water with the Glug in this way in order to get them to search it out.

 

Good luck with Daisy!

[lisaroo2]

Having watched them this evening I don't think Daisy is lazy - she's hen pecked... I've noticed that Rosie is picking on her, showing her her place. Daisy is still managing to eat and drink, she's just being bossed by Rosie. What will happen when I put them in the eglu for the night? I want to close the door cos of foxes. Will Daisy be ok and is it just a phase they've got to go through. Am trying not to be too worried cos i know they've to sort this for themselves.

 

Lisa

( new chook mum to Daisy, Maisie, Rosie)

[Chicken Licken]

It is perfectly normal and takes from a few days to a few weeks to sort the pecking order. I introduced 2 new girls to my remaining hen about 2 weeks ago.

Primrose is bottom of the pecking order but today has been the first day when she has co-existed with Fenny in the little run without being bullied. I found a water squirter was a great deterrant for the bully and just made sure that there was lots of food and water available in different places so Fenny couldn't keep her away from them all at once!!

Good luck with it

[lisaroo2]

Thanks so much Abi! I know this is probably just a phase but its nice to have advice and reassurance. I'll put more water and food dishes out tomorrow. They haven't gone to bed yet either, dirty stop outs.

 

Have had to stop myself from being so impatient today. Really want to start holding and feeding them from the hand, but know they're just to timid at the mo, gotta give em time to settle.

 

Tried them with cooked pasta twists and cherry tomatos, mmm not sure they're that bothered! Snails have also been turned down, they're really tucking into the layers pellets. I presume this is ok and have just kept the grub topped up with them.

 

Lisa

(new chook mum to Daisy, Maisie, Rosie)

[Chicken Licken]

It takes them a few days to learn what a treat is. Mine all love grapes, sweetcorn, tomato and spinach. Give them a week and you will be surprised by the change.

[lisaroo2]

Gone on tell me, I'm being too impatient. I know but...

 

we looked out of the window and they've taken themselves to bed! How clever is that! I couldn't resist opening the egg port for a sneaky peek. Rosie and Maisie were cuddled up together and Daisy was in the corner - she's definetly the more timid at the mo, but she is also the baby!

 

I couldn't resist reaching in and giving Rosie and Maisie a quick stroke - they're so soft, wow! I was rewarded with such gentle cooing noises, what a delight! First contact made. I presume they wouldn't have cooed if they hadn't have liked it? Have got a big stupid smile on my face now - blow the first egg, that'll be the icing on the cake!

 

Lisa

(such a proud new mum of Daisy, Maisie, Rosie)

[Cyber Chook]

Hi Lisa, I'm also a new chicken mum, got my five girls on Tuesday and haven't calmed down quite yet. Have spent hours just gazing adoringly at them.

I love giving them a stroke or two at bedtime. They're so different aren't they, calm and sleepy.

It's great isn't it?!

Caroline

[lisaroo2]

Yup Caroline - the hours just role away!

 

I want to let mine out in the garden as soon as possible so I can sit with them and get them used to me. I know they're supposed to be in the run for about 5 days but not sure I can wait that long!

 

Have read a post somewhere about checking the chooks crops. Am I supposed to do that? If so, how? I haven't picked mine up yet!! I presume they're ok?????????????

 

Lisa

(new mum to Daisy, Maisie, Rosie)

[Stevie]

Checking their crop isnt hard,but you'll need to pick them up first and hold them against your chest.Then gently run your finger down the crop and you'll feel all the food inside it.When they've been stuffing their faces with layers pellets-you can definetly feel it inside!

 

You can also visibly check them too.Late in the day-the crop will be perhaps little bigger than a golf ball and is noticable.The crop though should be empty in the morning when you let them out into the run.

 

To get them tame-buy some mixed corn.Its like a drug to em' and they'll eat it from your hand! Only give them it in late afteroon though because its not as good for them as the proper layers pellets,but it does make it easier getting them back into their run when i need to go out.I buy a 5kg bag of mixed corn for £2.75 from local animal supplies shop.