My 5 pullets don’t seem to know how to be chickens!

[Gretchen_girl]

Good morning! I’m new to BYC and need help! I have five older chickens and wanted to add some new girls to the flock. I got 5 new pullets that don’t seem to know how to be chickens. They don’t scratch in the dirt and leaves, they don’t want to roost, they seem to prefer sleeping outside in the leaves than under cover. I’ve moved one of my older girls in with them to try and teach them how to be chickens.

I have 2 coops - but the new girls can’t see the run for the older girls from where they are - although they do have limited visibility to them.

Do I need to worry about any of this before I move them in with the main flock? I’m afraid I’ll be chasing the new girls into the covered part of the run every night if they don’t have roosting instinct. Any suggestions?

 

[featheredplanets]

Welcome to BYC

I wouldn’t worry. They’re probably scared and if they’ve been raised in a barn, they won’t know what to make of anything. They’ll learn eventually. It’ll just take some patience, practice and treats. I would lock them in the coop at night for their safety and being forced in there will help them learn that it’s home. Place them on the roosts a couple times and they’ll get it all figured out in time.

 

[Gretchen_girl]

Thank you. Guess I’m just an over-anxious hen!