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

[Thumbcat]

So, I got my girls yesterday and they're all settling in nicely.

 

We have a little Rhode Rock called Schnuffie -

 

 

A Bluebell called Eggnog -

 

 

And a Light Sussex called Miss Lemon -

 

 

We got them from Handpecked Hens in Bayford, Herts, who were really friendly and all of the chickens looked lovely and healthy.

 

They've settled in really well and are eating their pellets, although I haven't seen them drink from the glug yet. I put some more water in the run in a little coop cup which they have been drinking, so I hope they work out that they can get a bigger drink from the glug. They've also met my cat and don't seem at all intimidated. We're a little bit worried about how things will go with the cat when they first free range, but we'll probably cross that hurdle next weekend.

 

One thing I wanted some advice on was whether I'm doing the right thing by giving them layers pellets. They're 19 weeks old and not laying yet, and the Rhode Rock in particular is quite small with a tiny pale comb. Should they still be on growers pellets?

 

I'm off to sit in the garden with my tea now

[Thumbcat]

Well it looks like I need a bit of photobucket training. I'll post them again later, hopefully with heads!

[Cat tails]

They look great! Congrats on getting your girls!

 

I gave mine layers around the same time, when they weren't laying yet. But that was from the practical aspect that they were going to boarding during my holiday and would be fed layer pellets there. I wanted them to get used to the pellets in their familiar environment, to prevent a too big a shock.

Some here will say you shouldn't untill they are actually laying, but it's really up to you. My guess is they aren't laying anytime soo, judging from those combs.

[gavclojak]

Lovely girls congratulations and look how clean everything is....not for long as for the cat, I wouldn worry about the hens as a cat would not generally take on a 19 week old hen, in fact one of my new girls flora chases one of my dogs and I am scared to let them out together because she keeps trying to attack him, she actually tried to chase a crow that landed in the garden the other day, I'm going to rename her "Atilla the hen"

[jimnpaula]

Well it looks like I need a bit of photobucket training. I'll post them again later, hopefully with heads!

Don't worry, the pics are clickable so people can still see how beautiful they are!

[mollyripkim]

They certainly are beautiful girls.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Lovely girls, congratulations! I've always just used layers pellets whatever age my newbies have been (youngest were 16 weeks, I think).

[Thumbcat]

Thanks everyone. I'm very proud of my lovely girls.

 

I've noticed some runny poos in the run this afternoon but am hoping that's just normal after the stress of moving.

 

Another question, as I see some flies buzzing around the run, what sort of citronella do I need for spraying around? The stuff I saw in Homebase was for lamps.

[Luvachicken]

Beautiful girls

 

You can get citronella in little bottles from the chemist but they are not very cheap, that's what I've used before, but I don't know if you can use the one for lamps or not ..... but someone else will know I'm sure.

[Hippie Chick]

Exciting! And what lovely names for the girls

[Thumbcat]

I've done a bit of searching and found its the essential oil that I need so I've ordered some from ebay.

 

Last night OH and I were out in the garden poo picking from the run using spoons taped to the end of bamboo canes. We had quite a laugh doing it and the chickens were entertained. The neighbours must think we're bonkers

[PixieDust]

How beautiful! My favourite teacher at little school was called Miss Lemon

[Stargazer99]

Thumbcat our girls came from handpecked in Bayford too. Lovely people and our hens are very healthy and happy. They also do free delivery of chicken feed, bedding etc so saves me lugging it. Your girls are beautiful.

[Thumbcat]

How long have you had yours for Stargazer?

 

I spent so much time planning and thinking about chickens that I can't believe they're finally here!

[Stargazer99]

Thumbcat, had our girls since Easter. I too planned their arrival for about a year!! Still get eggcited...see what I did there, when they lay their eggs. I only have four hens but get 4 eggs 5 days a week at the mo.

[Thumbcat]

Wow, 20 eggs a week! I hope you like omlettes. I shall be very excited when the first egg comes along.