Guess What I Got For Mother's Day!Brand New Here Learning in a Hurry!

[marinemom10]

Good Morning to you All!

A friend recommended this wonderful site to me as I was researching about getting chickens, etc. We're in Southwest Michigan,and have been pondering onder finding some feathered friends for our farm and farmhouse we're patiently renovating.

Yesterday, we got a Mother's Day Surprise! Some Rhode Island Red Roosters and Hens, and some Banty hens, one with chicks.

Oy!

Ran out to the store and got some basic supplies, and have now spent oodles of hours trying to figure out what time to get up and care for them, and whether or not we'll be able to corral them now that the barn door is open and they can explore our little 3 acre paradise.

Am eager to learn from all you Eggs-perts!

Marinemom10

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Congrats on your Mother's Day surprises. If you keep their food in the barn they should return to it. If you need any further help, just pick a section and ask away.

 

[SillyChicken]

and

from a fellow Michigander!

Come join us in the Michigan thread too!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=233

 

[Imp]

from Washington

Congrats on the Chickens

Imp

 

[marinemom10]

Hello!

Thanks for the welcomes!

Got our first Egg... OOrah!..

This is going to be an interesting time. We hadn't quite finished cleaning out the big old barn for these lovlies..but they seem to feel comfortable so far going in and out and walking around the acreage.

I've sort of 'herded them' in different directions here and there when I didn't want them to go deep into our woods or too close to the very busy road in front of the property..

Boy can they fly! the "B" rooster went way up high in the non-chicken ready sections of our barn that we use to store construction materials. Came down eventually though

Threw me off when they started taking dirt baths in my freshly rototilled garden area~ but should have figured on that.LOL>

Now to acclimate the dogs, and cat.

 

[AHappychick]

Congrats on your newbies. Be careful with the freeranging and make sure you lock them up tight at night cause everything loves to eat chicken

Often it is best to have them stay in the coop for 3 days straight before letting them out, then they will know where home is and always go to roost there at night

Enjoy chickens are tons of fun as you will see

 

[RainbowBirds_of_a_Feather]

Aloha &

to the Flock!!

Congrats on your new flock!!! I was just wondering if the chooks (Chickens) are habituated to people. Because if they are accustomed to people they should be alright. If they are already sleeping in the Barn at night that is also a great sign!!!. But just be aware of the predators that are roaming in the woods and air. The will definitely make a meal out of your chicks/chickens, Seeing that you also have chicks. Doing a head count is another way to make sure they are all accounted for. Like you said earlier about rooster B and his flying habits. they might roost in trees. Plus do you have sufficient next boxes for the hens to lay in? Because they may find areas that they feel appropriate and then lay there. But if you like having Easter Egg hunts everyday than you and your family will be having fun on a daily. But You sound like you are on the right road of success for your new flock. Keep up the Good Work.

 

[BarredBuff]

from Eastern Kentucky.

 

[Cats Critters]

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!