New case of 'Chicken Fever' in so. Indiana

[smyers32]

Thanks all for the warm welcome.
mrsabbott: that's *real* southern indiana. I'm in bloomington, i guess that's more like south-central (depends on who you ask!)

 

[mrsabbott]

I lived in Bloomington for several years! Went to IU!

 

[smyers32]

I just spent the whole afternoon hanging out in the coop. I found my first egg when I got home today, not in the nest box, but in the farthest corner from it! Go figure. Although, in her defense, I hadn't built the ramp up to the nest box yet. The ramp has been installed and I moved the egg into the box, I also closed up the front a bit so it's more private. I saw one hen in there investigating things before I put the front cover on, but no one else has shown any interest in it. I'm afraid they're not going to use it.
Anyway, I really enjoyed finally getting to spend some quality time with the flock. All last week I just couldn't wait to get my orpingtons and I bought the Ameraucanas kind of on a whim just because they were available and close. Well, turns out I'm totally in love with the Ameraucanas!! The Orps that I got are all very stand offish and skittish, but they're older and lived with a bazillion chickens before me so I don't think they got much attention. I hope they'll come around.

Now I just can't wait to let them all out to free range in a few days. I'm trying to keep them occupied with interesting treats (cukes, BOSS, apples, watermelon vines{their fave, btw}, grass, clover, a green tomato). I added some ACV to the water today and also built them a dust box with a mix of barn floor dust and DE. Hopefully, they don't get too stir crazy before I feel comfortable letting them outside!!

Any tips on getting them to trust me/like me/bond with me?? I'd feel better letting them out if they don't run from me. The Ameraucana girls are pretty tame and let me catch them without much fuss, but the Orps all squawk like maniacs when I grab them!!

 

[Donna Lynn]

You are going to love this web site and learn a lot!