juliagoolia Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Hello there, We are a litle nervous and excited as our eglu and chickens are arriving on tuesday (7th April). We are hoping that we are ready but it would be great if anyone has any tips. We have two cats so although we know it shouldn't be a problem it would be good to hear from someone who has experianced it first hand. Any good ideas to help them settle in would be good too... Did I say we were only a little nervous? Look forward to hearing from you all. Juliagoolia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Hello and welcome to the forum! I wouldn't worry too much about your cats, I have 3 and they just avoid each other. I did however supervise them in the garden at first but my cats are all scared of the chickens! We left the girls in the eglu and run for a few days and they now have the run of the garden when they free range. They usually take a few days to settle down and can have runny poos and they may need a little encouragement to go into the eglu on the first night. Mine were helped along with a gently aimed broom. After the first night they remembered where to go to sleep. Now for the important bit - what colour eglu did you choose and what girls? Do you have names yet? Oh and post some pics whent they arrive, we love looking at everyones pictures! You'll wonder why you didn't keep chickens before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliagoolia Posted April 5, 2009 Author Share Posted April 5, 2009 Hi there, Thanks for the cat tips. We have ordered the green eglu and two chickens, a Miss Pepperpot and a gingernut ranger. We have had many conversations about names going from the sublime to the ridiculous... sage and onion (say no more! The otherhalfs idea not mine) As a result we are going to meet them first and let them choose! Photos on their way soon!! J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Welcome to the forum juliagoolia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 We had hundreds of names before finally deciding! The waiting now is the hard part - I don't think I got any sleep the night before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennyhenny Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Hello and welcome to the forum, I'm a newbie also. My and arrived yesterday. Had a little bit of an issue putting them to bed last night, hopefully tonight they will know where to go. There quite happy now the sun is on their backs and fighting over a cabbage leaf Jennyhenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A chickychickychick-ENN!! Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Welcome! I'm sure they'll settle in just fine. Keep their food and water basic to begin with - not too many treats. Make sure they have some grit as well for their gizzards. You can add some cider vinegar to the water (just a dash) to ensure they have healthy guts. You can make them a dust bath. Aside from that, they'll explore their environment and be just fine I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Welcome to the forum and I love your forum name! ( is it from the Wedding singer? ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Welcome to the forum. When they arrive you will wonder why you didn't do this ages ago - they are such fun. I went and sat on the bench at the end of the garden with some corn and promptly had 3 chickens on my lap eager to get the goodies. They follow you round the garden. I hope you really enjoy the new arrivals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A chickychickychick-ENN!! Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Oooh yes! JuliaGoolia! Sing them 'Do you really want to hurt me' by Culture Club. They love a bit of The Wedding Singer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliagoolia Posted April 8, 2009 Author Share Posted April 8, 2009 Thanks to everyone for all their tips and making me feel welcome. You were all right. After the nerves, I look back now and wonder why we didn't get chickens ages ago. We have perfect chickens who put themselves to bed on their first night. Although they have turned their noses up at treats so far..apart from corn. As for me yes.. I am a fan of the wedding singer and cry with laughter at the memories of the 80s.. Photos will be along soon .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
