Chicken boarders

[Doody]

Hi,

 

Hi all, today i got my 3 Isa Browns. I got them home at about 5pm, put them in there coop and within minutes they seems super happy. Walking around, pecking at the ground etc. If there beaks could smile im sure they would of been.

 

Sadly a crazy cat that jump at them, scared us all to death, however he legged it afterwards, and as he is a young cat, im hoping he doesnt come back soon. They started eating and drinking straight away, and after a few hours i thought i would give them their first treat. So i chopped up some strawberries and corn on the cob for them.

 

I thought they would go crazy for it, but as they had never had anything like that before, they just looked at me like i was mad. However after about a hour, it HAD ALL GONE. So i was really pleased about that.

 

Then it became bedtime, and i was like, ermmmm, now what do i do. Luckily they are super tame and allowed me to pick them up and place them in there new home. (I think the ladder has confused them, so maybe take a day or two so they realise they may have to walk up a few steps to bed)

 

I looked through the window and within minutes they was all snuggled close together and almost asleep. They looked so cute. I walked down the garden, straight to the fridge and sighed some relief.

 

However, ive read so much on chickens now, im worried about everything from worms, foxes, cats, mites, you name it. Is there really that much to worry about, or is it just down to common sense and keeping your chickens clean, along with clean water and fresh food.

 

Im going to get up early and let them out, probably about 6am. Ive taken the water out of the run as they are now closed in. Ive also taken the food out too to try and not attract rats etc. Hopefully ive done the right thing, as they will have fresh food and water first thing. As i type this im actually really worried about the little ladies lol, im sure they are fine and happy, but my oh my, im stressed and its only day 1 lol..

 

Tomorrow ill be getting some chicken wire and trying to close as many holes as i can, as i have a feeling that cat will be back...

 

Thanks all

 

Mark

[Eggie232]

Try not to worry too much Mark, is does get easier! I have only been keeping hens myself for 3 weeks and I find myself worrying over even quite minor things! It's because we love our girls so much and want to do our best for them! I'm sure I've sprouted more grey hairs since adopting my three ex-batts. If you ever have any serious concerns the forum is a great place to seek advice and their are some really helpful peeps out there.

 

Hope it all goes well, give your ladies a hug from me!

X

[Olly]

Don't forget that the majority of people who post on here are posting because they have come across a problem and need advice - so it isn't necessarily representative of chicken-keeping overall. Yes, foxes, sour crop, worms, mites and lice etc can happen to anyone's hens at any time, but you are right - their basic needs are safe shelter, food and water and if you are providing those then you won't go far wrong.

 

Things can happen, but they are unlikely all to happen to your hens, and certainly not at the same time, so don't worry - it sounds as if you've got off to a good start, and if you need advice then there's plenty on here.

[Chucky Mama]

Try not to worry In the initial weeks just ensure that they are fed, have access to clean drinking water and are secure from foxes. Sit in a comfy chair and enjoy them. I personally would go easy with the treat though

[Doody]

Try not to worry In the initial weeks just ensure that they are fed, have access to clean drinking water and are secure from foxes. Sit in a comfy chair and enjoy them. I personally would go easy with the treat though

 

Lol, it was just a moving in treat. Their big brown eyes made me give in.....

[midori]

I know exactly how you feel. I am a new keeper and was absolutely terrified for the first few weeks. I still worry, but have relaxed a little now, thank goodness!

[Bertrum]

What is it about hens that makes us this way? If I had decided on a rabbit as a pet, I'm sure I would not have found it so worrying and I know as little about them as I do about hens.

[jamiesmum]

Yep, we're exactly the same. We've had our girls 10 days now and I think we are settling in to a routine.

Only had to put them to bed once, but now they put themselves to bed about 8pm and I hear them chuckling together each morning as I head out at 6:30 to let them out. They settled so quickly that we had an egg within 24hrs of them arriving home. I've worried about foxes, worms, escaping, runny poos, the amount of grit they eat etc etc so far all worries have been unnecessary.

 

Lisa