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

[wenhen]

and I've got a couple of questions ....

 

when we get the chickens is it ok to put them into the run one at a time or do we need to put all 3 in at the exactly same time? (There will be no other chickens in the run).

 

do chickens actually learn their names or should we just teach them to recognise the noise of their treats being shaken?

 

is there anything else we should worry about for the first couple of days? I'm assuming that they will sort their pecking order out fairly quickly?

 

Many thanks!!

Edited August 19, 2008 by Guest

[Egluntyne]

when we get the chickens is it ok to put them into the run one at a time or do we need to put all 3 in at the exactly same time? (There will be no other chickens in the run).

It would be better to put them all in together as then no-one has the advantage.

 

do chickens actually learn their names or should we just teach them to recognise the noise of their treats being shaken?

 

They don't recognise their names, but the y will recognise the treat bowl being rattled and will come running.

 

is there anything else we should worry about for the first couple of days? I'm assuming that they will sort their pecking order out fairly quickly?

 

Not really. The pecking order thingy is very much a matter of luck.

 

Good luck.

[wenhen]

Thanks Eglutine - I'm sure I'll come up with lots more questions over the weekend.

[Egluntyne]

Ask away.

 

Why not have a scout round the **FAQ section** whilst you are waiting for the hens to come. It is bursting with info that new henkeepers are sure to find helpful.

[dancing cloud]

Not sure whether they recognise names or not. Sometimes mine seem to, but that could just be my imagination, or just good luck that they come when their name is called.

 

Definitely not my imagination that they come sprinting when the treat bowls rattle - could teach those Olympic runners a thing or two

[wenhen]

Ok - will go with the sound of the treat bowl. We've taught our cats to come in for dinner by whistling at them, so hopefully we'll have as much luck with the hens.

[Mutrix Farmers]

Just the sight of one of us at the back door is enough for our three to come hurtling across the garden like Linford Christie. I used to delude myself that they loved me, but I know it is really in the hope of food (which they don't get every time we go into the garden). They get really excited if I put corn or mealworms in a yogurt pot and shake it. As for name recognition - I live in hope!!

[Scramble]

As for name recognition - I live in hope!!

 

Saturday today, what are your girls like?

[quickcluck]

well, well? Are they here?

[wenhen]

They are fab!

 

We got an Amber, Speckley and Black Tail - all seem to be getting on fine with each other (all lived together in huge flock at the farm).

 

They still haven't worked out where the grub is and what is in it! So have put some little pots of pellets in the run but they are just pecking at them but not eating them (Might try and get some mash rather than pellets for them tomorrow to see if that will help!)

 

Has been a very good distraction from the Olympics though.

[Joojoo]

Really pleased that they've all arrived. Welcome to the club - you'll be outside at all hours in all weathers now

 

Mine weren't overkeen on the pellets at first so I added some water to them and made like a porridge - they loved it (and still do). Put it in a different bowl rather than the grub as it's easier to clean.

 

Enjoy them

[mrsallen08]

Congratulations!

Im sure all will be fine and don't worry about all the questions! We've all been there - and still posting pics of random chicken poos!

You'll be up before them tomorrow morning I guarantee!

Good luck!

[dancing cloud]

Your new feathery family sound gorgeous - welcome to the club of happy people addicted to their hens! I've had mine nearly 3 months now and the fascination increases rather than reduces.

 

I really love this forum, as it gives us the opportunity to discuss/ask about hen-things that we cannot do elsewhere, so don't worry about making the most of it.

 

Enjoy your girls!

[wenhen]

Yeap you were right - I was up at 5:30 to let them out as I was worried that they would be wide awake and clucking to come out - they were all fast asleep and look rather surprised to see me! It was still a bit dark and raining so can't really blame them!

 

We've put some pellets on the ground and they are scratching away at them, so at least are eating something!

[Egluntyne]

Any pictures ?

 

Have they got names yet?

[wenhen]

At the moment they don't like/eat the pellets, but they love the mash - does it matter if they only eat mash? Is it a matter of taste? Would it be worth trying a different brand of pellets (any recommendations) at the moment they have the Small Holder Brand.

 

Our Amber one seems to have a bit of a cough - well she sounds like she is trying to make duck noises and then has a little shake of her head. She has also had some very runny poos. I've read that this might mean gapeworm, but she isn't tame enough yet to check in her throat to be sure. The lady at the farm said that they would need worming in Spring and Autumn, would it be worth me getting some Flubenvet for all three of them? Would I still need to give them the Verm-x stuff to? And it is ok to give this to the other 2 as well?

 

They also hav a litter tray full of compost, but just seem to peck at it - is therre anything else we should put in it to encourage them to use it as a dustbath?

 

Thanks!!!!