Newchick Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Just got my two Black Rock chickens back home Was worried that they mightn't be friendly, but them seem really quiet - maybe too quiet Maybe they are just shocked after the move. They went straight in to the Eglu. One is sitting on the egg box and one on the bars. Haven't gone near the food at all Should I force them out in to the run or just leave them alone. Hope they're not painfully shy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieadams Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 We left ours alone, shut in the for the night, then let them out early the next morning and they trotted out happy as larry like they'd lived here all the time! We'll all want pictures tomorrow!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 They'll be fine!! They need to find their feet a bit. I'd leave them to explore in their own time, as long as they get a drink and some food before bedtime! Enjoy your girls!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Congratulations - Your life will never be the same again!!!! They will just take a little while to settle in, and get used to their sorroundings. Wouldn't worry too much about food yet. If they refuse to come out tomorrow morning, then help them out then and show them their food etc. Think of it as the equivalent of your first day at school - everything is a bit strange, and takes a while to adjust and settle in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Thinking about it a bit more (d'oh) many breeders suggest the girls spend a set amount of time in their house initially so that they know it is their home. So like the others have said, just let them out in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newchick Posted May 14, 2009 Author Share Posted May 14, 2009 Oh that doesn't sound too bad so Will leave them alone and probably in the morning with hunger they'll venture out. Well at least they are not mad things! Seem very placid. Gives me some hope that they won't eat the RIR we're getting on Sunday Should I discourage them from sitting in the nest box. It's looks so comfy, I don't blame them and the bars look so uncomfortable - but then I am not a chicken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieadams Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Depends how much you want clean eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 They'll be ok, they just need to acclimatise and settle in-make sure you leave them in the run for about the first week before you let them out to free range if you're going to, that way they'll know where to return to when it gets dark! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgregson Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Congratulation on your new girls. Have you named them yet? Sal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Congratulations . Bet you're up early tomorrow . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newchick Posted May 14, 2009 Author Share Posted May 14, 2009 I'll be up early in the morning to make sure they are still alive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 They will be fine....they just need a while to acclimatise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 The breeder I will be buying my hens from recommends "imprinting" your hens into their new home - i.e. when you get them home, get them straight into their house and keep them in for that day/night - attaches them to their home and surroundings. Sounds like they have done it themselves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiblick Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 oh congratulations! I'm sure the kids are wishing they weren't so shy but it'll be a different story I'm sure tomorrow and the weeks to come. Aoife Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizziee Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Hi there, Congratulations on getting your girls. I had the same story, got my three girls. 2 black rock x light sussex & 1 light sussex. When i got them home they stayed inside for days, i was really worried. I put food and water inside for them, really pampered them, now they only go in to sleep and lay eggs of course. They should settle down, mine took about 4 weeks to really settle and get used to the new surroundings, you will have a lot more worries to come i.e funny looking poo's. This is a great forum and will get all the advice you need. Happy chook keeping !!!!! Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Sooooooooooooooo what time were you up this morning? Have they shot out for a look about? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newchick Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 They're alive My 6 year old asked this morning if we could have a look at the chickens to see if they were dead Well they weren't. Took about 10 minutes to wander out, but they did and were pecking at the ground, so I guess they have had some of the food I sprinked for them on the grass in the run. They are going in and out of the house. When we went down to see them, they were straight back in to the house. Looking out but staying away. I think they will be fine, just getting used to us - we could be mass murderers for all they know We love them already, they seem really chilled out. No 3 is arriving on Sunday. I hope they all settle ok Got this is worse than having a baby - not the birth of course but the worry once they come home. I should be getting some work done, but instead keep looking out the window to see what they are doing. Eating grapes as I type Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiblick Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Eating grapes as I type You or the chicks?! Glad they are alive. Enjoy your day with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieadams Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Perfect! I am reliably told that it's good that they run to the at first when you approach because that means they know where safety is so they think of it as home!! Don't give too many treats in the morning (I gave loads all the time at first but everyone on here advised against) because if you withhold them until the afternoon they'll eat their pellets or whatever up first, and they need them to lay you good eggs Have fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Ooh, it's so exciting! I can't wait to get some more girls and have those first times all over again! Enjoy and never mind work/housework!! You won't regret spending lots of time with chickens ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
