52fish Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 The eglu cube is all prepared, ready and waiting. We're all set to collect our new chickens when we get back from holiday next month. Does anyone have any top tips, things to remember or things to look out for during the first week with new hens? Not sure if it make a difference, but we'll likely choose 4/5 different hens from Speckeldy, Black Rock, Bluebelle, Amber Star, Light Sussex or Welummer to ensure a variety. Thanks in advance for responses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Biggest tip book some time off work for chook watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 they're all really good breeds - I love them! A good tip is just to watch them, and spend time with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Remember to get a supply of mealworms so you have something for bribery. With these they will quickly come to love you to bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella14 Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Top tip - don't worry, be happy and enjoy them Oh, but I do second the mealworm suggestion. Great for making friends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickanne Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Bribes all the way! Get youself a low stool or garden kneeling pad to sit on. The sooner you can pick them up the better so get them used to being touched as you treat them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 If you're going to let them out to free range, you'll want to be sure of getting them back. This is what I did. I kept mine in the run for 10 days.During this time every afternoon, I went to the back door, blew a whistle, and then opened the run door a little (WITHOUT letting them out of the run) in order to hold a bright red bowl containing a treat (usually sweetcorn) . They ate from the bowl immediately Now when they are free-ranging, I simply have to blow the whistle, they run to me, I walk them down to the run and put the treat bowl inside and close the run door. Whenever they are out, I always have the treat bowl and whistle handy in case I need to get them back inside the run quickly, eg. if I saw a fox, unknown cat etc. We call it the Marching Band - no idea what neighbours think !! See Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 That's brilliant. Can't they run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracyann Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 The eglu cube is all prepared, ready and waiting. We're all set to collect our new chickens when we get back from holiday next month. Does anyone have any top tips, things to remember or things to look out for during the first week with new hens? Not sure if it make a difference, but we'll likely choose 4/5 different hens from Speckeldy, Black Rock, Bluebelle, Amber Star, Light Sussex or Welummer to ensure a variety. Thanks in advance for responses! I spent ages going in and out to see what they were up to, I've got a Bovan Nera, Bluebelle, Magpie and a Speckeldy, am a week in now of having them and they are such funny creatures. I have just got them used to being stroked and cuddled!! Haven't let them out in the big wide world yet, they are currently indoors as I haven't been able to build the other run due to my father being ill in hospital. The fun and games will begin when they do go out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 They'll probably be a little nervous at first and avoid you a bit, but if you spend time with them, give them treats and handle them from time to time, they'll soon get to know you and most likely follow you around the garden. The good thing about hens is that although you get to know them more and more, just when you think you know everything about a given hen, she'll surprise you! You'll probably find them much more intelligent than you'd expect. You'll be spending a lot of time in the garden in the summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella14 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Great idea conditioning them to come to a whistle. Ours are upon us as soon as they see us though, mainly because my partner AKA Chicken Wrangler, gives them treats willy nilly! Anyway, they associate humans with nice things so much that they would have the whistle out of our hand to check if its edible before we had the chance to blow it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Do I sense a new TV program "The chicken whistle blower" ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JS1 Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Have more than one feeder and drinker available. I know I've said this before, but it really helped when I got my first three. And enjoy them is another tip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
