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

[ted]

Just started with some bantams from wales. 2 of each: buff wyandottes, black leghorns, blue pekins and a lakenvelder. Been in situ for 3 weeks in a cube with run and extension. Now eating pellets (thanks to Claret). Still have some questions... They all are still very skittish (apart from the wyandottes), especially the lakenvelder. How do I get them used to me so I can pick up to inspect and treat combs etc etc. Also is there a rule of thumb as to when they will start laying? I suspect the Sheffield weather is not helping!!!!!

 

Cheers

[moochoo]

Hi usually most chooks are skittish until the come into lay. You can take them out of the house for a little cuddle when they've gone to bed to get them used to being handled.

You'll find they have a personality transplant once they start laying.

It's a funny time of year for chooks to start laying, the short, darker days really don't help. Once Spring arrives and they're about 25-30 weeks old you should get some lovely eggs.

[badgerbluebadger]

Ted,

 

In a nutshell chicken love food - So I have bribed mine to love me - they now come for a sit donn on my lap for treats and now and then Ella comes over just for a quick cuddle without any food!

 

Also picking them up just after they have roosted is a great idea as they are sleepy and less likely to try to run off around the garden.

[ted]

You are so right about personalities as the two wyandottes are the most friendly (easiest to bribe) followed by the leghorns then the pekins and last of all the lakenvelder (who is extremely unfriendly!!)

 

On the handling advice how long after they have disappeared into the roost do I need to wait for them to be more docile?

 

 

 

Cheers

[Egluntyne]

When they have been roosting for an hour or so they will be drowsy and easy to handle.

 

They can't see much at all in the dark so won't go flapping off into the night.

 

Whereabouts in Sheffield are you?

[Chickvic]

Hello and welcome to the forum Ted. Everybody else has already given you great advice.

[ted]

Thanks all, will let you know how I get on with "operation dusk"!!!

 

I am in between walkley and crooksmoor in sheffield (in answer to egluntines question) sorry i am not sure how to just answer to you...

 

Cheers

[Janty]

You will probably soon find that your pekins are very friendly and nosey and bribable with food. My pekins are the first to come running when I have treats and the first to jump up on my knee (not that I encourage them, you understand ).

[Egluntyne]

I am in between walkley and crooksmoor in sheffield

 

I know the area well. I get my chickeny stuff from Horse and Rider. You will no doubt know where that is.

[ted]

yes indeed. Straight up the hill and right. I got some corn mix from there that they really love but did not want to go back to pellets. I suspect a bit like feeding children porridge and then pick and mix... they are back on their porridge now though thanks to advice from Claret and the treats are kept until later in the day... Do you know what their pellets are like? Suitable for Bantams?

 

Where abouts are you in Sheffield?

 

cheers

[Egluntyne]

The pellets I buy are rather chunky and I would say not suitable for bantams.

 

They are very helpful in the shop and will try and source things for you.

 

I'm in Ecclesall.

[Daphne]

The Allen & Page Smallholder range has very small pellets which are ideal for bantams. Both leghorns and lakenvelders have a tendency to be flighty/skittish tho as the others have said laying/night time does make them mellower. You might have to concentrate on the pekins/dottes for attention

[The Dogmother]

Glad to hear of another one with banties ted.. I have a flock of 12 (or should that be a herd?! ). Pure breeds are more inclined to be skittish any way, but as the others have said, try taking them out of the egg port at night when they are drowsy for a bit of enforced cuddling. They will be much more biddable when they start to lay.

 

I use the Allen &b Page pellets for my girls, either the small holder ones or the organic mix; they're nice and small.

 

Pictures please......

[ted]

I am guessing to add pictures that is done through the gallery. Hope its as easy as getting those little coloured chickens on the bottom of the signature???

[The Dogmother]

You can also add pictures via an online hosting company like Photobucket.

[ted]

I think I have created an album with some pictures in it (not the full set yet). Teds Place is the album. Not sure if I need to do something with permissions???

 

Have a look + see what you think!!

 

Cheers

 

Edit Claret: they are gorgeous Ted, here's a link to the album http://club.omlet.co.uk/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=120682

[Janty]

Lovely girls.

[ted]

Eureka. have added link to signature. Thanks once again. I will get out with camera and get some more shots when the weather improves.

 

Cheers

[moomin]

Gorgeous, love the little blue pekin, and the one with the huge comb & wattles Welcome to the world of chickens