Chicken Rookie Seeking a quick 101

[keoghkelly]

Hello all! My husband and I just bought a home that came with a small cool with three chickens. Neither of us have ever had them but are super excited that our kids will now grow up them. We need major help and advice on best practices though. I already have a hilarious story of chasing them down because I didn't know if they could or should be out. Their coop is so small that it seems wrong to not let them out, but I don't know if they will go back in on their own (and am not really interested in the catching fiasco again). Also, feeding, cleaning, etc advice is also needed. Thanks so much!!!

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

The best place to start is in the Learning Center, there are a lot of very good articles there that cover what you are wanting to know about:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Nice to have you here, have fun with your new flock!

 

[silver1polish]

Are they laying yet? If so you should buy layer crumble or pellets (my birds prefer crumble so try both). For caring for them you need pine chips in for where they sleep. For every day caring you will need to check where they sleep for eggs and poop when you are dealing with poop from your chickens what works best is a kitty litter scooper. Look also for poop in their run.

Here is one tip to keep your birds cool in the summer if it's hot Water melon is good for them and cucumbers. They should can let out for the day I have a small metal fence that is around the coop so the can room. Remember to put them back out at about kind of 7:00 PM ish. If you Don't want them pooping everywhere then expand the run about a good 5 feet. Please post a pic of your hens and the coop I would love to see more of your ladies!
Hope this helped a little! Silver1Polish

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[mymilliefleur]

Glad you joined us!

 

[silver1polish]

 

[drumstick diva]

If you close them up in the coop with water & feed, for 2-3 days. They will imprint on it as home and return at dusk every evening and put themselves to bed. Didn't the previous owners leave any instructions for you ?. If not, I can't believe they cared much about their future welfare. If the birds have lived there awhile, they may already be imprinted on the coop.