Nervous Newbie Check-In

[Adirondacked]

I've had my hens for two days - four 12 week old Red Stars and two Buff Orpingtons, and just wanted to check in and mention some of the things I have noticed, a few minor concerns, etc. Please feel free to comment, correct me, or make suggestions .., I'm a nervous new chicken dad!

- Two days, and they're still pretty scared of me. They calmed down a little and they no longer panic when I get near them, but they by no means let me get too close.

- I guess it was a little cold today (50s), but I found it a little weird that they spent most of the day inside the coop, doing their pecking and eating inside. hey came outside maybe twice, for a few minutes.

- They've been roosting now and then up on the run fence railing. (It's 5') They have not really tought about "escaping," and they seem to go right back in with their sisters. And they do go in the coop at night, locked up. Sound okay?

- The run was originally just the sand-dirt-grass floor, but they drug some straw out and spread it out. They seemed to enjoy the straw quite a bit, playing and pecking plenty in it, so I tossed some more onto the run floor for them. Seems okay, but I thought I'd mention it.

- They're not eating a whole lot from their feeder, but they have tons of grass and straw to peck through, and they do that most of the day; so I figured they are meeting most of their food needs pecking. They drink about an inch of water from a small kitcken bowl each day. Sound okay?

Here they are!

 

[TipsyDog]

Sounds you're doing fine Dad! They need time to get used to their new home and you. Good luck with them!

 

[teach1rusl]

Well I'll be no help...lol. I would think at 12 weeks, it would take longer to get used to a new person and new coop than if you'd taken them in when they were chicks, so that part sure doesn't sound odd. I'm assuming you got them locally, so the temp hasn't changed??? So maybe it goes back to not venturing out much until they get used to things...
Not sure about the food thing. If it's fresh feed, then I'm sure they'll eat it if they're hungry...not getting their fill of bugs and such from the run.

They sure are pretty things...bright eyes and glossy feathers!

 

[chickensioux]

Welcome and beautiful chickens!!! All sounds good to me. The more time you spend with them, the more they will calm down and accept your presence. If you take treats out with you like dark leaf lettuce, broccoli, etc. They will start to come running to you.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=135658
Here is a good treat list.
http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0
This is a good website for normal/abnormal poos (very handy)
Always keeping them locked up tight at night is best.
Hope this helps some and this is the place to get all your answers. The folks on here are always helpful and friendly.
Good luck and enjoy those beautiful girls.

 

[fldiver97]

from WI. They need a little time to settle in to the new surroundings and to trust you. Take a few minutes here and there, sit down near them and scatter a few treats in front o you or hold them in your hand....they'll come check it out after a bit. Once they know you bring them goodies, they'll become friendlier. Also, they will get friendlier once their a bit older and closer to laying. My shy chickens are better now that they are 24-25 weeks old. Make sure they all go in at night, after a few days they know where home/roost is. Chickens seem to dislike change and it usually takes a few days to get them settled. So I think you are doing good, take a deep breath, your girls are well cared for. As far as temp goes....they have plenty of feathers by now, 50 is not a problem. They will hang out in the coop more until they are more comfortable with their new home. Once they figure out they can scratch, dustbathe and eat bugs outside they;ll spend time in the run. Post questions, most of the time you'll get replies pretty quickly Your chickens are very cutee

 

[PunkinPeep]

lookin' good. beautiful birds! i'll chime in to encourage treats too. the quickest way to a chicken's heart is definitely through her appetite. i found shredded cheese to be a big hit, but don't give 'em very much.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Give it another 2 days and they will have a serious dent in that grass.

Congrats, beautiful chickens. And

 

[Adirondacked]

Thanks all! I really felt like I lucked out on how beautiful I think they are. I was pretty lucky to even get 12 week old pullets around here, so the fact that they were exactly what I wanted was a big plus. And ..

I'm getting two Buff Orpingtons this weekend. Two of my contacts both came through, so I figured, ah, what the heck!

 

[mmtillman]

from MO.

You sound like you are doing fine...and yes....the more time you spend with them the more they will adjust to you ! You have a beautiful flock !!