Loon Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 So.... I got my two new Gingernut Rangers today. They are both very sweet but I'm finding it a bit stressful as I'm a first time chicken mum! I'll feel alot happier in a week when I've got used to them being around and when I know what 'normal' is. At the moment they are making me feel guilty as they keep pacing up and down the run wanting to come out! Only 4 more days! Anyway, my question is... when will they go to bed? It's nearly 8.30pm and they are lively as anything! Also, I'm not sure they have drunk any water today (they have eaten their tea though). Should I be worried? I don't like the thought of them going to bed having not had anything to drink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 bedtime will more than likely be about 9:00pm or just before it gets dark. I've got one that refuses to go to be until it's darkish stays in her run muttering to herself probably about the other six going to bed while it's still light as long as they have water they should drink. but it might be that you use a differant colour/style of drinker and they need to get used to it.just watch them in the morning if they have had a drink after about 15 mins of beening let out put a bowl of water in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loon Posted May 21, 2010 Author Share Posted May 21, 2010 Still no joy so I ushered them in with the help of a broom. I feel so mean! They were looking very wary of their new house and didn't seem keen to voluntarily get in themselves so I didn't have alot of choice in the end. I don't want to annoy the neighbours on the first night with lots of defiant noise They are in their chattering to each other and you can hear them moving about a bit but hopefully they will settle down soon? I think I should get a cup of tea and chill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txswanie Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 I was very worried about this with my new girls ( a month ago) They will settle down in a few days. Put a torch inside the coop apparently it helps to get them in. 3 of mine go at 8.30 the other 1 about 9pm. For the first week I had to pick them up and put them inside, they didnt like it at all. When they arrived I put out a couple of extra bowls of water but they all drank from the glug right away. I think they copy each other. Have a cup of tea and a choccy biscuit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennydavies Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 Ours are not going to bed until after nine now, but they still don't get up until 7.30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooresey Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 One of ours goes to bed early the other two dont want to go to bed. Last night it was 10 o'clock and they were still up. We had to "assist" them getting into the coop with the help of a rake. Hopefully they will start getting the idea soon as its a right pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 Welcome to motherhood. Effy stands on the ladder at abour 8:30 shouting the girls in. its so funny watching the banties sprint across the garden to respect there ''queen hen''. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
