lew Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Finally my chickens are here! Two beautiful Sussex Star called Eileen and Beryl. We collected them yesterday and we are just getting to know each other. They are already providing hysterical moments - the sight of my 6 foot OH lying full length in the pen trying to shepherd them inside the eglu for their first night will live with me forever! Fortunately (or possibly not) they are quick learners because they took themselves off to bed tonight. Just a quick question please, I've not been able to get any wood chips for the run (might be able to get some next month when they start work on a local wood) but I have got some Hemicore for the eglu tray. Can I put that in the run or is that only for runs that are covered against the rain? Hopefully I've attached a picture. Lesley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Lovely. Is it Betty or Beryl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Aw, what lovely lovely girls you have! Welcome to the forum! Many henkeepers here prefer using hemcore or Aubiose in the run (I do) as opposed to wood chips which can harbour nasties. I would also recommend covering the Eglu run with a clear shower curtain or somesuch so that it doesn't go all muddy. That said, I've never had an Eglu so perhaps others will give better advice. Happy henkeeping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Hi and welcome to the forum! Woodchips are quite good and durable and many people (myself included) use them with no problem at all. My hens love scratching around in the stuff. I would advise covering your run to protect whatever you decide to use. Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted August 31, 2009 Author Share Posted August 31, 2009 Oops! It's Beryl (named after my mother-in-law) How much should they be eating, they don't seem to be eating their pellets at all? I thought they would be starving in a morning but they've not gone to the food again this moring, wouldn't like to think of them starving. They have the odd peck in the Grub but that is all. I gave them a handful of corn as a treat yesterday afternoon and they've eaten that so perhaps they don't like the type of pellets. (omelet's organic layers) Lesley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Beautiful girls, Lesley . Congratulations . They won't eat much at first but that'll change when they start laying. I have 2 new girls too and am surprised at how little they eat compared to the older girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Oops! It's Beryl (named after my mother-in-law) Have changed the title of the thread for you. They will eat surprisingly little until they come into lay and then their appetites will increase massively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moochoo Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Oh they're beautiful. Can you tell them apart yet? They look like they're going to be big buxom wenches Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 They are LOVELY Well done you xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Lovely girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Beautiful girls, congratulations (I would only use hemcore if you can really weather proof the run. I have a walk in run with a roof, and use hemcore on the ground, but with the wind and rain we've been getting I have had some nasty damp patches which isn't pleasant) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 ahh love your girls arent they good looking girls. so how early where you out in the morning and how long have you been sat in your dressing gown watching them. oh and how many times have you gone to the window to see if they're ok and if they're still breathing? or is it just me that did all of those things i hope you have lots of fun together and lots of lovely eggs xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted August 31, 2009 Author Share Posted August 31, 2009 I was up at 6am to let them out and have been popping in and out all day. I should be writing a report for work which has to be ready for tomorrow but haven't started it yet! Oh well, another late night. I can tell them apart, Eileen has much more black around her neck and Beryl has a black tip to one of her wings. If markings change when they moult I will be in trouble! Beryl seemed like the bravest but when treats are in the offing, Eileen seems to be there first. I tried dried mealworms today and they loved them. Eileen takes them from my hand quite happily, Beryl hangs back a bit. They have definately eaten more today so I hope they are settling in. I know it's only been 48hrs but my thoughts are already turing to an extension for the run. When winter arrives they will only be able to free range at a weekend and I think they would appreciate a bit more room. Who needs a flower bed anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
