Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[hinterglem]

Hi,

 

About to take the plunge and get some chooks (a bit nervous about it). I've read quite a bit, but still not clear on a few points...

 

I bought a 'starter kit' which includes a feeder and what I am assuming is a grit dispenser (just looks like a smaller version of the feeder). These are not covered (I've seen photos of some with a sort of umbrella over them to stop the food getting wet, but these dispensers don't have that). Do I put them inside the coop? Or should I build a cover out of marine ply or something and hang them from that in the run? (it is an open run).

 

Also, at night, do the chickens make their own way back to the coop when it gets dark? Will I have to pick them up and put them in? Can someone give me a quick overview of the normal daily routine?

 

I've read that when buying a chicken you should pick it up and inspect it. Having never even touched a live chicken before, and also reading that pullets can be difficult to catch, I'm not sure if I should try that - after all, I wouldn't really know what I'm looking for anyway!

 

What is the best way of transporting them home? In a cat box? or a cardboard box? Do I just put them in the run when I get them home, or lock them in the coop for a few hours to get used to it?

 

Finally, if I let them free range, will they damage the lawn and plants? Do I have to supervise them while they are roaming about?

 

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance!

[hammy72]

I am relatively new to this too but what I have picked up so far...

 

I inspected mine as the farmer held them and they then clipped their wings for me. I brought them home in a dog crate, they just squatted down and were calm. They were OK with me lifting them out into their run. They went straight into their coop and stayed there most of the afternoon. They ventured out for food late afternoon and there was a bit of squabbling between the 2 of them over food for a few days. However, they soon realised that there is a plentiful supply of food. I let them out into a netted area when I am in the garden so they don't get to trash the lawn or veg patch. I also sat in their netted off each day to get them tame and now they are OK with being picked up.

[chestnutmare]

Hi,

 

About to take the plunge and get some chooks (a bit nervous about it). I've read quite a bit, but still not clear on a few points...

 

I bought a 'starter kit' which includes a feeder and what I am assuming is a grit dispenser (just looks like a smaller version of the feeder). These are not covered (I've seen photos of some with a sort of umbrella over them to stop the food getting wet, but these dispensers don't have that). Do I put them inside the coop? Or should I build a cover out of marine ply or something and hang them from that in the run? (it is an open run).

I think you will be fine putting food and grit on the floor if I'm imaging your feeder/dispenser right... it's how they would naturally eat.

Also, at night, do the chickens make their own way back to the coop when it gets dark? Will I have to pick them up and put them in? Can someone give me a quick overview of the normal daily routine?

Mine put themselves to bed when it got dark. As long as you have a safe run they shouldn't wander and realise where the bed is.. they'll soon learn. I don't have a routine as such, I let them out of their 'bedroom' in the morning, make sure they have plenty of layers pellets, fresh water and grit. In the evenings I will give them a handful of corn and maybe some greens. They (used to) free range during summer evenings and weekends... I've just moved though and I need to extend the fencing or they'll be in the neighbours gardens!

 

I've read that when buying a chicken you should pick it up and inspect it. Having never even touched a live chicken before, and also reading that pullets can be difficult to catch, I'm not sure if I should try that - after all, I wouldn't really know what I'm looking for anyway!

I didn't pick mine up. I went to a reputable place to buy the chickens... they looked clean, alert and a decent size. Ideally you would but I trusted the owner to inspect for me.

 

What is the best way of transporting them home? In a cat box? or a cardboard box? Do I just put them in the run when I get them home, or lock them in the coop for a few hours to get used to it?

Take a cardboard box with air holes made in it. Add some newspaper or bedding of some kind to reduce soggy cardboard. Put them in the run.

 

Finally, if I let them free range, will they damage the lawn and plants? Do I have to supervise them while they are roaming about?

Mine damage the lawn and plants. I am over cautious about watching them due to previous fox attacks but I suppose it depends on where you live and how secure your garden is. Personally I'd keep an eye on them.

 

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance!

[hinterglem]

Thank you very much for answering - that is helpful info!

[busy bee]

Hi, I went to a good poultry supplier who was really helpful. She clipped their wings (on one side) for me and showed us how to hold them. Answered all my questions regarding worming etc. We took the children so they could pick out one. All of them looked really well and in good condition. We had to book in a time so she could make sure that she would be free to answer all our questions, she even booked us longer as we were first time chicken keepers.

 

We went late afternoon, which was a really good time as they had been eating all day and free ranging. She advised us to put them all straight in their coop as they had had enough food for the day and let them out in the morning. They did shout a bit as it was still light but were really happy when let out in the morning. They settled really quickly. We took a large cardboard box with hay in it.

 

I read somewhere to let them settle for about 5 days or so before letting them out of their run to free range. They come out for a few hours a day, only when I can supervise and then I entice them back in with corn and treats! Now they rush for the run door every time I open it!! Getting rather cheeky now!

 

We have only had ours 2 weeks, still lots to learn but they are so funny to watch. We have four and two are laying now. One started the day after we had her. Nothing beats the first egg

[duchess]

Hi there, congratulations on taking the plunge and getting some hens! I'm sure before long you will become addicted.. I've been keeping chickens for just over a year now and am no expert, but I would say the main things to look for when getting your hens would be that the hen looks healthy and interested and there are no obvious signs of weepy eyes or a runny nose. Always buy from a reputable supplier and try and avoid auctions or markets.

As for transporting your hens home, a cat carrier or sturdy cardboard box with airholes cut into it will be fine.

i would leave the hens in their run for a couple of days to get used to it before you let them free range in your garden. You will probably find they will happily put themselves to bed at night and will just need you to lock the coop door to protect from foxes.

I don't know how big your garden is but if you let them free range they will wreck it!!! We have about 1/4 acre electric fenced off for the hens.. They will ruin a lawn in no time, eat and scratch up your plants and poo everywhere!

What breed are you thinking of getting?

Anyway, best of luck and i'm sure you'll find plenty of advice on this forum.

[hinterglem]

Thank you! The garden is quite small unfortunately - I think they will have to spend most of their time in the run. Still, I bought a double run so it is not tiny - about 23 square feet in addition to the coop itself. We are thinking of getting black rock, rhode rock, or pepperpot (from what I can tell, they all seem to be quite similar). The coop is supposed to house up to 5 hens, but I think that would be a bit crowded, so we'll probably get 3 or maybe 4.