Single hen

[rugby1]

Hi everyone, we picked up the hens on friday, pink eglu on thurs.

The hens seem happy, (i think) Although i feel quite bad as we are leaving hem in the run for or a week or so to let them settle in.

My girls love them, particularly the 2 yr old.The hens are called Stephine (thats the 5 yr olds, after lazy town, mine is matilda, because she seems very clever, and baby evies is chick as thats all she says to them, or her.

We are leaving the dog on the lead to meet them, from a distance so far, thanks for all the advice we will try the praise with a reward tomorrow when he ignores them.

I think i have heard a cough or sneeze from chick, does antone no if that means a cold, or do they occasionally sneeze or cough?I have put a vinigar supliment in their water today(sorry cant remember its name)

They are feeding on growers for another 2 weeks or so, under guidence from where we got them (it was great there), till we see first egg!Its a very messy feed though, have to sweep a lot up at night to avoid rats! Should we offer grit yet does anyone no?

They dont seem bowled over by the sweetcorn treat we give in the afternoon, any more suggestions?

We have put a flower tub in their run full of soil to have a dust bath if they want, do you all think this is a good idea, will try and get some play sand tomorrow as this may be better.

Still quite anxious about the whole thing, like keep telling my girls(children) not to scream or squeel when on the trampoline as may frighten hens. Hopefully after weekend hens will have a quiter week to settle in, maybe collecting on a fri was'nt such a fab idea! How do i post a picture for you all to see them?

Thanks to everyone who has helped, i am beginning to sleep again!!!!

[Hen Watch]

Don't feel bad about keeping them in the run - I kept mine in for 4/5 days and it helps them establish where home is. Your chickens will soon get used to the children and they noise they make.

 

I wouldn't worry about the odd sneeze. However constant sneezing, or bubbles/discharge from nostrils needs attention.

 

I use apple cider vinegar in the water every now and again too for general condition/digestion. I have sometimes used Citricidal (grapefruit extract) for sniffles to add to their water.

 

I do like to give my girls mixed grit (in a parrot coup cup) and they take it as and when they need it.

 

Plain soil in the dustbath is just fine. That's all my lot get (although I do treat them to the nice bone dry stuff stolen from hubbie's greenhouse when he's not looking ).

 

How to post pictures is in the FAQ section on the forum.

 

I hope you continue to have fun with your new arrivals.

[Plum]

Hello, Welcome, how is it going now?

[BeckyBoo]

Hi there, yes I agree with what has already been said too. And don't worry about your children squealing and yelling, mine did / do and the hens now take almost no notice.

It sounds as though you're doing everything right, I wouldn't bother with play-sand, I don't think it would actually be very good for them to be honest, dirt is much more fun!

 

They're great for making you feel guilty though, I've got a great big walk in run so I can try and reclaim the garden and not let them out and even though they've got ALL that room they STILL give me the baleful look every time I go out in the garden!

 

BeckyBoo