memphisto Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Hello, We've just picked up our first 3 chickens today, after months of deliberating and researching. We've got a light Sussex (Dilys), a black rock (Penny) and one we were sold as a Speckeldy (Bubbles) but not quite sure she is. They seem to have settled well, tried to hand feed them some corn earlier but they weren't too keen and took themselves off to bed at dusk and were all cuddled together, which was very sweet to see. Just wondering, I've put a water thingy and feeder in their 'bedroom', but Dilys knocken it straight over and Bubbles was perched on the feeder when I checked on them. Is it advisable to keep a water bottle thingy and food in their bed area given that Dilys knocked it straight over? I think the Mr is going to try to put some hooks in to suspend them tomorrow. They haven't knocked their run area ones over though. All our girls are 21 weeks, not yet laying though. Loving having them already, they have very individual personalities and I can see why they are addictive....I already want a fourth! Look forward to chatting with you all. M x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Welcome to the forum No, you don't need to provide them with food and water at night; keep it out in the covered run for them to eat during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your new hens. No need to put food and water in the coop overnight - they will fill their crops before going to bed, and don't need to eat and drink during the night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 Hello & welcome I agree - no food required inside. But photos are required I hope you enjoy your new chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memphisto Posted September 23, 2011 Author Share Posted September 23, 2011 Thank you very much for that both of you, we weren't sure so we'll take them out in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gongladosh Posted September 23, 2011 Share Posted September 23, 2011 yep, defs needs some photos. welcome to the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memphisto Posted September 24, 2011 Author Share Posted September 24, 2011 Thank you for your replies and welcomes! The girls seemed to have had a good night, looked in before opening the coup this morning and they were all cuddled up together, looked up at me and started to waken up a bit. Seemed quite pleased to be out of the coup! Took my 7 week old daughter out to see them and they were quite interested in her, Dilys started coo-ing and Penny kept tilting her head as if she couldn't quite understand, very sweet. Bubbles just carried on eating her pellets! Unfortunately, one of our cats is very put out by the chickens, he hasn't come near the house since last night, although we can see him at the bottom of the garden, even though the chickens aren't anywhere near his cat flap into the utility room! The other one isn't bothered by them and the girls get a little panicky, but he's not fazed by them at all! Will certainly get some pictures up later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
