Clare G Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 I have just brought home my fantatsic new girls Marge (RIR) and Tahlula (MPP) and have to say how thrilled I am with them. Both seem very at home and after putting them in the run at about 5.30pm last night I returned at 11.00pm to see that they have both very cleverly made their own way to bed and into the Eglu - Very pleased I didn't have any trouble with the first hurdle Only problem is that since opening up the eglu door at 8.00am this morning they have not come out and they havn't touched a drop of the water or pellets that have been out ever since they arrived. I am starting to get worried that my girls aren't eating or drinking Can anybody help am I being neurotic first time chuck mum or is there something I can do to get them to eat and drink....help !!!! Would much appreciate any advice Thanks Clare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah 2 Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 I kept my girls in their run for the first 5 days. I was told it was a good idea so they are able to get used to everything. They'll find their food and water. Mine seemed to hardly eat anything for the first few weeks but now they have started laying they just don't stop eating. I would try not to worry too much but just keep an eye on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 I wouldnt worry just yet as they are probably trying to find their feet in their new home - it will take a while to settle down Try to encourage them out with a few bits of corn or take them out of the egg port and sit them on your knee for a stroke and a fuss if they let you Im sure they will be right at home soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare G Posted August 12, 2007 Author Share Posted August 12, 2007 Thanks for replying so fast Sarah, that has put my mind at rest. I'll let you know how they get on Cheers Clare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare G Posted August 12, 2007 Author Share Posted August 12, 2007 Hi Emma I'll try to get them out and give them a cuddle, Marge is so cute and is really calm to when I pick her up. Hopefully that will help Thanks Clare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 12, 2007 Share Posted August 12, 2007 Hi Clare and welcome! Are you feeding them pellets or mash? Maybe the breeders feed them mash and you have pellets? I'm sure them will eat when they are hungry, but maybe do as Em says and try some sweetcorn/raisins etc to tempt them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare G Posted August 12, 2007 Author Share Posted August 12, 2007 Marge is now eating - mostly grass but also some of the pellets (which I bought from the same place as I got the chucks). Tahlula is still not eating. She seems to stay mostly in the eglu and doesn't come out very much. When I was cleaning the eglu today, I noticed some red mites on the ends of the roosting bars . This could only have come with the girls as it is a brand new eglu and was spotless when they went in. This might explain why Tahlula is off her food a bit ?? Anyway now going to clean/check for mites 3 times a day until the powder I ordered gets here. Hopefully I can knock this on the head ASAP. Well its been an eventful first 24 hrs !!!! lets hope it gets better from here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 When I was cleaning the eglu today, I noticed some red mites on the ends of the roosting bars I should ring the supplier and give him what for! Are you sure it is red mite and not red spider mite? Confusing I know.......red spider mites scurry about and look like....well.....tiny red spiders. Red mite looks like clusters of greyish pinpricks, and if you squash them with a piece of white kitchen paper, you will see streaks of blood on the paper. What makes me ask is that you say that Tahlulah stays mostly in the Eglu, but when there is an infestation of redmite, the hens are normally reluctant to go in as they know they will be bitten. Get some Barrier Red Mite powder and put it on the roosting bars, in the gaps in the Eglu and on the chickens, especially under their wings and around their vents. They will smell lovely. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare G Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 Hi everyone Marge is now eating and drinking really well Tahlula is getting better and is both eating grass and the pellets and drinking but not as much as Marge. I stripped down the Eglu today and hunted out every last red mite I could find (quite certain they are indeed red mite and not red spider mite as I did the white paper towel test etc !). Not that many today, I think I am keeping on top of it. Just can't wait to get the powder and diatom I have ordered from Omlet (hopefully will arrive tomorrow). Also ordered some Verm-X - I'm taking no chances now !! One good thing about this is that whilst stripping down the Eglu and leaving it to dry the girls had to stay out in the run which seems to have done Tahlula the world of good. I even managed to have a quick cuddle with her today, very proud of myself ! Anyway quick question - it seems most people give there chucks sweetcorn and they all seem to comment on how much they like it - what sort of sweetcorn do you give them, fresh off the cob, dryed like popcorn or tinned !!!! I know this is probably a really stupid question but hey ho I'll just have to look like a Muppett !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 I think that mainly they give them tinned sweetcorn - but make sure you wash it first - as it can contain salt etc. Don't over do it either - they love it - but will eat that and not their proper food and can get a fat on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 Anyway quick question - it seems most people give there chucks sweetcorn and they all seem to comment on how much they like it - what sort of sweetcorn do you give them, fresh off the cob, dryed like popcorn or tinned Try them with raisins or sultanas. I found they're the quickest way to tame them and get them eating out of your hand. My four girls were a bit nervous the first day I got them so I introduced them to raisins. Now they almost rip my fingers off. Four full grown hens all going for one raisin at the same time hurts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
