Help to revive my new adoptions

[Emilywhelan]

Hi, I've recently adopted some 6 chickens.
I am a complete beginner but very interested.
Ive always considered having chickens but its one of those things "you never get round too"
i saw a lady last week who hated these chickens.
the way they were cared for was very in humane.
anyway, there at home with me, they have a glorious run and the kids absolutely love them.
The only problem is.
they drink like theyve never tasted water.
and eat like theyve never tried food.
they don't lay, but im not bothered about the eggs.
i just want some happy chickens.
has anyone got any advice?
any treats?
tricks of the trade?
thanks in advance.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, EmilyWhelan, and

! Happy to have you aboard! Nice rescue on those chickens!! Since they came from such poor conditions and were not cared for, there may be some special concerns. The biggest risk would be parasites. I would treat with with some poultry dust to kills fleas and lice. As for treats - chickens love dried meal worms. Mine also love tomatoes from my garden, bananas, cooked rice.
Here are a few other things....do you know how old they are and if they are hens? Hens, even older ones will lay throughout their lives although production goes down with age. Things that also affect laying are the stress of a move - from their former home to their new one. But also lack of water and food - they may have been in survival mode and shut down laying. I think once they are settled in and build up some energy they will resume laying.
A great place for the beginning poultry keeper is the Learning Center. It is full of great information on what your chickens need in terms of food and shelter and basic chicken keeping. It is time well spent. Here's the link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/

Good luck to you and come back and visit the various forums if you have questions - BYC is full of friendly folks with a lot of chicken smarts! Best wishes!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Redsoxs gave you some good advice. Just give them lots of TLC, treat them for parasites (I would deworm them as a precaution as well) and give them a good quality chicken feed and they will be fine. Enjoy your chickens!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan - I agree with everything above. Good luck.

 

[drumstick diva]

thank you for rescuing them - they will start to bloom under your good care and watchful eye.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you rescued them, good luck to you.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[Emilywhelan]

Thanks so much.
im not sure how old they are, they look fully grown.
ive got a mixture of breeds if i post a photo could anyone tell me?

 

[BantamFan4Life]