Sokokomo Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 Hi all- new here and new to hens so please excuse any basic questions! We picked up 3 hens yesterday, all between 16-24 weeks though there is a size difference. The light Sussex and the Speckledy are the largest, the Black rock is the youngest I think. Anyway, they seemed to settle in ok, no fights in the house, but the light Sussex won't come into the run! I know she hasn't eaten or drunk for nearly 24 hours now, I tried offering her some in the house but she got pecked by Speckledy for eating the food in there, and didn't drink. Lifted her into the run this morning, she tried a bit of grit, got pecked again by Speckledy, and went back in. I know a pecking order is completely natural and I don't think they're bullying her, but it would be nice if I knew she was eating! Should I let her do it in her own time or keep offering food to her separately? I dont want to start this bad habit though as then she won't have any need to venture out. Anyway I've rambled on enough - but I'm sure you all remember the worry of being new to hens! Thanks, Sokokomo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new girls . It can take them a couple of days to get used to their new surroundings. It's very early days so I'd leave her for a bit. When she's hungry enough I'm sure she'll venture out. You're right, establishing a pecking order is perfectly normal but if you see that she is getting seriously bullied when she eventually comes out, it can be a good idea to put another feeder in so the bully can't man both feeders simultaneously! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 I agree with ANH it is early days, give them time to get used to their new surroundings. I would put out two feeding stations if you can as food tends to be the cause of most chicken arguments. Enjoy your new chooks and welcome to the forum Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sokokomo Posted April 23, 2012 Author Share Posted April 23, 2012 Hi guys, thanks for the replies...sure enough she has ventured out and seems to be the only one to like being stroked on her back and take corn from my hand, the other two are more flighty, but she still backs off when Speckledy is around! Looks like I'll just have to wait for them to start producing eggs now Oh and just one more thing...their poo(!). The black rock is doing yellowy runny poos, is this a sign of worms did I read? Where can I get Flubenvet from, just in case? And how frequently should I feed it? Thanks, Sokokomo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Runny poos are quite common with new hens so I wouldn't worry too much at the moment. Worming them certainly is a good idea though, anyway. I use Flubenvet, which you can get online. Dose them every 3-4 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
