Castleview Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Hallo. ~They've arrived. I wasn't this nervous with the 1st night home with the kids. They're bedded now and I've locked them in (seems a shame hope they're not claustrophobic ). I'm in the town so very little chance of a fox. When do I let them out in the morning? Do I do it to my own routine or will I hear a racket? Do I change the water every day? Will I let them out of their run tomorrow for a wander around the garden or do I let them settle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I'd let them settle for a few days. I just top the water up, unless it look s very grim, and empty it completely and wash the drinkers every week or more often if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Hi and welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of chook keeping , ooohh exciting! Firstly, they will be fine tonight, they do not need food or water during the night. Let them out as soon as you can. Keep them in the run for 4 or 5 days so they learn where their home is, After that you can let them freerange whenever you like. And yes, i give mine fresh water most days, its surprising how much they drink. Good luck and dont forget the photies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castleview Posted June 9, 2010 Author Share Posted June 9, 2010 Thanks folks. Will let you know how things go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted June 10, 2010 Share Posted June 10, 2010 Great that your hens have arrived. They don't need food and water overnight. I top up the water if it needs it, and clean it out if the Glug has got mucky. That said, they much prefer mucky water from the pond or from the drain covers than nice clean stuff from the Glug anyway When mine arrived I left them in the run for 4 or 5 days, then we let them out while we were in the garden with them. We've gradually reduced the supervision, and they are now pretty much self-caring although we are always going back and forward between the house and garage and often in the garden. We don't let them out if we aren't at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castleview Posted June 10, 2010 Author Share Posted June 10, 2010 They were fine. Oldest son let them out just before he went to school at 8. He said they were quiet when he opened the door. Got 3 eggs this morning, 1 hard, 1 soft and 1 broken - I'm assuming just cause they're young and in a new place that's why the eggs were soft? Thanked them and told them they were good girls (is it ok to talk to your hens? ) Conscious of the wifie over the fence listening in! OK will wait a few days before I let them have a roam. Fair pleased so far. Thanks for advice, I'm sure I'll get more confidence in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted June 10, 2010 Share Posted June 10, 2010 You might find this interesting about the soft eggs viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4720 Good luck with your hens. I think they are ace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miss_spent Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Is there really little chance of a fox where you live? I know a number of people in towns have lost chickens on here - look at the thread on losses to foxes. Personally mine only FR when we are sitting with them as I know there are foxes close by. I fit them in to my routine and let them out when I get up in the morning. They squark and scratch when they hear the back door open, but are quiet otherwise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Congratulations on your new girls, Castleview . Nice to see another Scottish Omleteer . Sounds like it's all going well - enjoy . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
