Nervous new "mom"

[carfenn]

HI all!

I'm new to having chickens and from the last 8 weeks I'm loving it!!

We just put our 6 chickens out in their coop with a 10 foot run attached. My question(s).....should I have a light on for them in the coop at night or do they prefer the dark? I also made sure they were taken from the run and put into the coop for the night. I just feel so much better doing so, but my husband thinks I should let them decide to go in or not. Any help/ ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks so much!

 

[21hens-incharge]

In the beginning while they are learning that the coop is "home" you SHOULD put them in at night. They do not know that is where they should go yet.
The light at night is not needed and I think they benefit from having a good solid sleep. The light will keep them awake and lead to behavior issues potentially.
(mama hen does not have ground effects lighting just sayin

)

Congrats in getting your chicks to the coop stage. Glad to have you aboard.

Babs

 

[carfenn]

Thank you Babs! Appreciate the info.. Looking forward to meeting more people and learning about these sweet little birds.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You are welcome.
We all started somewhere.
What breed or breeds did you choose? Curiosity and all......

 

[carfenn]

I have two Buff Orpington, two Ameraucanas, and two NE reds. They all seem to get along very well. Not a broody one in the bunch! Oh, but that could change.

How bout you??

 

[21hens-incharge]

LOL with 43 hens of various breeds the list is rather long
Buff Orpington, EE, Black Australorp, Iowa Blues, Brahma-dark, buff and light, Delaware, Wyandotte, Partridge Rock, Polish, Hamburg, Bantam Cochin, California White, OH I am sure I am missing someone in the list lol. Doc has me on heavy duty pain meds so the mind is a bit cloudy today. It will come to me I am sure lol.
Personal favorite is the Black Australorps of course. Hubby really likes the Buff Orpingtons. This year we added the Brahma and I think the Darks are absolutely beautiful.

You may end up with a broody in your Buff Orpingtons. My older one has been broody before but skipped this year. She is getting up there in age quite a bit so may not be in good enough shape to get broody anymore.

This is one of this years pullets. I think she is quite interesting being a silver duckwing beardless EE.
Her name is Victoria but she is more of a Vera Wang lol.