Hi all
I am in South Africa, and I have just got 2x Australorp hens. The one is 4 months old, and the other is 5 months old.
I have noticed a number of sounds that I am trying to decipher. I can tell when they are pleased to see me - they run to the gate and make sqwarking sounds. But every now and again, they make a loud (very quick) PEEP noise. I get the feeling they are annoyed with somehting then? Is this correct?
Another thing, I am having a hard time getting the right amount of food to them (they always seem hungry and I don't want to overfeed). I have the laying mix, and occasionally I add in a handfull of some hard corn mix during the day as they seem to like it. Also little treats like veggies and guavas. Tell me, what is the standard amount for 2 hens per day? Please work in cups, as I have no clue about working out ounces etc here
I am feeding twice a day (breakfast and supper time)
Okay, another question.. I will be getting 2x 1year old Orpington hens from a friend shortly as well. I guess it is okay to put them in the adjacent pen for a little bit and let them meet each other through the fence, and then put them together?
Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks
Nadine
I am in South Africa, and I have just got 2x Australorp hens. The one is 4 months old, and the other is 5 months old.
I have noticed a number of sounds that I am trying to decipher. I can tell when they are pleased to see me - they run to the gate and make sqwarking sounds. But every now and again, they make a loud (very quick) PEEP noise. I get the feeling they are annoyed with somehting then? Is this correct?
Another thing, I am having a hard time getting the right amount of food to them (they always seem hungry and I don't want to overfeed). I have the laying mix, and occasionally I add in a handfull of some hard corn mix during the day as they seem to like it. Also little treats like veggies and guavas. Tell me, what is the standard amount for 2 hens per day? Please work in cups, as I have no clue about working out ounces etc here

Okay, another question.. I will be getting 2x 1year old Orpington hens from a friend shortly as well. I guess it is okay to put them in the adjacent pen for a little bit and let them meet each other through the fence, and then put them together?
Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks
Nadine