Given a flock of Black Marans

Pics
Date sort Score sort
Saintbubbles said:
What techniques can we use to get the chickens used to being around us? If we let them out I'd prefer not to chase them around the yard with a net to get them back in the coop .
Click to expand...

They need at least a week in the tractor before being let out.
Then introduce "out" time slowly. Just an hour before dusk so they stay close to home. As they head back in on their own regularly you can give a little more time each day.

There are lots of reasons they might not lay for a while.
Age, New home, all those roosters the old home, it's just now headed toward spring so winter break etc etc.

Give them time and they will adjust.

Getting them used to you.....

Just be near quietly. No sudden moves, especially toward them. Pass out treats (in moderation) dropping them or tossing them closer and closer to you over the course of many weeks.

My flock of 26 contains just 5 that will allow human touch. Remember they are a prey animal not a doggie. They will respond as a prey animal.

:celebrate I still think it's pretty awesome that you got a free flock!
 
21hens-incharge said:
They need at least a week in the tractor before being let out.
Then introduce "out" time slowly. Just an hour before dusk so they stay close to home. As they head back in on their own regularly you can give a little more time each day.

There are lots of reasons they might not lay for a while.
Age, New home, all those roosters the old home, it's just now headed toward spring so winter break etc etc.

Give them time and they will adjust.

Getting them used to you.....

Just be near quietly. No sudden moves, especially toward them. Pass out treats (in moderation) dropping them or tossing them closer and closer to you over the course of many weeks.

My flock of 26 contains just 5 that will allow human touch. Remember they are a prey animal not a doggie. They will respond as a prey animal.

:celebrate I still think it's pretty awesome that you got a free flock!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. We almost just set them free. This is very new to us. We have always had cats and dogs. Not looking make the chickens pets but egg producers. We have time. I just want to be as comfortable as possible.
 
Saintbubbles said:
Thanks for the reply. We almost just set them free. This is very new to us. We have always had cats and dogs. Not looking make the chickens pets but egg producers. We have time. I just want to be as comfortable as possible.
Click to expand...

Good, good, good.

It takes a while for chickens to learn where home is when everything is new.

Slow and steady and they (and you) will figure everything out.

You got this! You found BYC and answers are just a click away.

:thumbsup
 
Welcome to BYC :frow:welcome
90D1DF7A-7E2F-4AD6-86CD-AE51F1790058.jpeg
 
:welcome

I'm a bit late with my 'hello' but want to say it's nice to have you here with us!

You've received some good advice, tips and links from the other greeters. One other thing to be aware of...there are a lot of predators that love a chicken dinner. Chicken wire will not keep your flock safe, use hardware cloth instead. Building a coop from the free materials offered would be a big help in getting started!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom