GreenGirl Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I am soon to be the proud owner of 6 pure/rare breed girls, going back to collect them on Sunday 31st. I am more nervous (and excited) about making sure they are happy, safe, contented and well adjusted then I ever was about my cats/dogs/horses I have done my research – - read lots of books & forums - check - attended a hen party - check (thanks Christian ) - decent breeder – check - good secure house (Cube coming tomorrow) - check - nice organic food and treats – check Does anyone have any advice on settling them in, and getting to know them? Do I need to get them into a routine or anything? They will be 17 weeks old, and will be kept as pets with the added bonus of eggs. We live in a suburban area, and they will have quite a large garden to range in. Thoughts appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna_0 Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Hi there I would stick to a routine with regards to letting them free range and treat times etc.. and let them get on with the rest They have lots of company so they will be fine. Our two settled in really quickly, we had our first egg not long after getting them -Barbara 28/07/08- Currently on strike! -Margot 04/08/08- Currently on strike! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Hi Donna You must be very exceited I am getting my chickens on Friday so am at the same stage as you. I'm finding my way as well but thought I would say hello. All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 You must be so excited!!! I have four .... want more I kept mine in for a week before letting them free-range and made sure I was in all day the first time they explored the garden. I also make sure I call them into their run for their treats. That way I can get them in any time I need to. I also took every opportunity to pick them up at first so that they become tame and easily handled. Have a great time!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I use the same metal dish for treats, they will then follow you anywhere if you carry the dish Our first two we kept in their run for five days as instructed and fed them treats from the 'treat dish' to get them used to it. Enjoy your new girls, they are more fun than you would ever imagine Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyReckless Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Just keep them in their run for the first week, handle them in the evening when they are dopey and more acquiescent, maybe offer them a bit of marmite on toast or yogurt on the first day to give them a bit of a boost. Don't worry about a routine - my experience is that they settle into one that suits them. I do always make the same sound when i give them treats (a clicking or chucking noise, like geeing a horse) which means when i want them to come to me, i just make that sound and they come barrelling over at top speed. Running hens - it never gets old! Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Really does sound like a great time! I'm so ! There's lots of us at the moment waiting for eglu's/cube's/chicken's. Make sure to post lots of pictures for us! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenGirl Posted August 26, 2008 Author Share Posted August 26, 2008 There will be plenty from the clucky expectant mums I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Hello GreenGirl! Well done on getting your cube! YOU WILL LOVE YOUR CHOOKIES!! All the best C x x x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Hi ya and congrats on getting chooks, wise move! We just left ours in their run for 5 days then let them out to free range. We let ours out each day after 5pm except on weekends they have longer cause we around more. Just be careful when they free range in case of foxes if you get them? They do learn quite quickly when it's time to come out, ours start pacing up and down in the run just before! and they jump up at us as we open the door! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Welcome to the forum, Greengirl . I kept my girls in their run for 5 days. I also tried to handle them a lot at the start - mostly in the evenings when they're sleepy. I make "chook chook chook" noises when taking treats out - they just about knock me over . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 You'll find a lot just comes "naturally" as ANH said try keep them in the run for 5 days.. I managed 4 but I also sat in the run with them the first few days and they soon became hand tame.. a regular treat bowl is essential as they will follow this ..and stops your hands getting so sore from "attacks" They will settle in fine but you will waste the days away watching and worrying Best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLK69 Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 You have started a very exciting journey into the land of chicken keepers . . . . I too have my clucky noise when I feed them treats, and then this always gets their attention. Happy chicken days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
