IM A NEW CHICKEN MAMA

[victoria - bluebells mom]

hey guys , so excited and grateful for this group. We recently became chicken mamas to bluebell and forest . They are 19 weeks old. I have had them 24 hours in their new coup and I need all the tips I can get . Firstly bits of help. Can I let them out to free range yet ? its only been 24 hours.
2) Do I have to clip their wings ? blue bell is already quite big and its the nature of the bluebell breed so is it necessary ? Forest is a black rock chicken. Thank you in advance chicken family xx

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. I would give them at least a week to adjust to their new home. I am reluctant to clip wings unless it proves to be absolutely necessary.

 

[victoria - bluebells mom]

thank you for this reply xx

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
Congratulations on your new flock.! Clipping their wings is unnecessary at this point.
Enjoy your new adventure !

 

[victoria - bluebells mom]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
Congratulations on your new flock.! Clipping their wings is unnecessary at this point.
Enjoy your new adventure !

great thank you I really don't want to do it

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I agree, let them get used to their new home, sleeping in the coop and relaxing their nerves before you allow too much free ranging. Clipping wings isn't advised as they need to be able to fly and escape predators. Clipping doesn't necessarily stop them from catching air.

Make yourself at home here and welcome to our community!

 

[victoria - bluebells mom]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I agree, let them get used to their new home, sleeping in the coop and relaxing their nerves before you allow too much free ranging. Clipping wings isn't advice as they need to be able to fly and escape predators. Clipping doesn't necessarily stop them from catching air.

Make yourself at home here and welcome to our community!

thank you for your response - do also think a week in the coup ? then allow them out

 

[TwoCrows]

thank you for your response - do also think a week in the coup ? then allow them out

I would keep them locked in for at least 4 days, make sure there is plenty of light, ventilation, keep the coop as clean as possible. You might install a screen door so they can look out during the day? Around day 5 you can open the door. Don't rush them to come out, they will get the nerve to venture out over the coming days. All this is going to train them to know the coop is a safe haven and to always return for roosting, safety and egg laying. Oh and don't let them sleep in the nest boxes, its not sanitary.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC!
I would agree, don't clip their wings unless you absolutely need to, and roughly around a week in the coop helps to teach them where home is. Have fun with your new chickens!