Goldstar Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 My 3 goldlines have been in their coop/run for about 2 hours now and after a very noisy 20 mins have settled down. I was just wondering what would the best thing to do regarding letting them get to know me and me getting to know them? Should I leave them to it for the rest of the day or should I be outside with them talking to them? I do keep popping out and saying hello, but I dont want to over do it. It must be quite stressful for them moving house. Also having read many posts that peoples chickens follow them around and chat to them I was wondering how long it took to get to this stage? I was feeling quite confident about getting them, after reading so many books on keeping chickens, that now they are here I am really nervous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Don't worry, it'll all become second nature before you know it . It will take them a few days to settle in but there's no harm in you spending time with them - it'll certainly help them get to know you! If you give them a small treat each time you go out, they'll soon associate you with nice things and come running at the sight of you . When my girls were new, I used to give them a stroke each at bedtime when they were drowsy - I even used to bring them into the house for a cuddle on my lap . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Just remember. Calm voice. No sudden movements. Lots of love. Some treats. And your away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daffodill Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I can tell you that the chickens will settle in long before you are settled about owning them. The first few weeks are very worrying 12 weeks on Iam much better than I was-reading the books is great but once they arrive there are lots of bits that the books don't tell you. Thankfully the Omlet forum is always there Glad they have quitened down for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunkydoory Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Give them a week or so and some time and attentionthen you will have a couple of very curious, perhaps still a little shy girls. But just be prepared - a bit like children - the worry doesn't end Happy chicken keeping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldstar Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 Thank you all for your replies. I am hoping I will feel more relaxed soon (I worry alot). Getting them to bed was interesting, one of them had gone in, I could see from the house that the other 2 were trying to get in, but werent allowed in. She was sat in the entrance hole and would peck the others if they tried to get in. I threw a few pellets in to try and encourage her to move, but it didnt work. I went back in the house and left it a few minutes, when I went out again one of them had managed to get in but was clambering around in the nest box, again each time the last chicken tried to get in she was pecked. I had to enlist the help of my husband to persuade her in. They are now shut up and were very quiet when I left them. Will it get better or am I likely to have problems at bedtime for a while? Thanks in advance. Olivia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daffodill Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 I had a hen that stopped the rest getting in - I ended up putting them all in by hand for a few nights then they sorted themselves out and some how managed to push past her and eventually she gave up trying to stop them-they get into a routine after a while-hope it goes ok tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunkydoory Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 It sounds like your top chicken is making herself known Once it's dark and she becomes inactive the others will generally get inwithout intervention. It will get better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldstar Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 Thank yuo again for your advice, you are very lovely people. All my chickens have gone in on their own without intervention. But I have one chicken facing into the coop and one facing outwards in the entrance. I have tried to shut the door, but they aren't having any of it. Am I being too soft and should I be a bit more forceful? I dont want to have to ask my hubby to help me if I can because he isnt going to be here tomorrow night so will need to do it on my own. Please help me. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldstar Posted June 16, 2010 Author Share Posted June 16, 2010 I did it!!! Unfortunately the way the coop and run are designed I cant pick them up and put them in, well I could if I climbed in the run but then I would be face to face/face to bottom with the girls and I am not feeling that brave at the moment. I just kept shutting the door (its on a hinge that opens outwards) and they eventually got the idea. Is it okay to do it like this? I would hate to hurt them but they cant sleep in the entrance all night because of the risk of Mr Fox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
