Thanks, Should I stop the regular feed and give them layer pellets only?
I had oyster shells out, thinking grit, but read one of BYC's articles that said it wasn't grit. I wasn't thinking in terms of calcium, so I'll put it back out.
I put some mealworms out and they seemed to enjoy them. I'm seeing some progress. Today I sat out with them and had a couple come close enough to touch but of course they would have scattered if I had tried. One actually pecked my toe..Progress!
Here is what I've put in the run. Logs so...
Well it took me a long time to get them just to scratch at the ground but I put out some cracked corn to get them to do that and I've been feeding them the regular feed plus layer pellets. I tried a frozen corn on the cob hanging on a string they totally ignored it. I have put some herb plants...
I know what you mean I was an animal rescue, mostly dogs and cats, for the last 20 years.
This is a bit different. I'm still trying to get their trust so they don't fly into the walls and injure themselves every time I make a movement.
How important is it for them to sleep on a roost? All they have ever done is sleep in a huddled mass. I'm afraid it is an established pattern with them that may be really difficult, if not impossible, for me to change.
My coop was finished and i was ready for my chickens. I didn't want to start with babies so I looked for some young hens. Found some Wheaten Marans that are 24 weeks. The place I got them from had over 50 roaming in a large chain link pen. No coop, no roosts. They all looked fat and healthy...
i will have a fenced area 40 'x30' for them to free range in when i can be out with them. I do know that feeling of loss. i've been in animal rescue, mainly dogs & cats, for the last 20 years. I'm getting too old to handle stubborn dogs and had to retire from it. i just hope chickens are...
Thanks everyone for the pros and cons-- that helped a lot. i think i will be going with pullets and probably half of what i originally planned. Next step i guess would be to see what is available in my area. btw I live in the deep south, Mobile, Alabama. :frow
I did a lot of reading but with so much information out there i just seem to get more confused instead of informed. My question is: should i start with chicks, pullets or adult hens? These will be pets and egg layers. Next question is how many (I originally was thinking 8-10) My coop, being...