New chicken keeper / Zoology life

[MarantaOrp]

Greetings!

I'm a brand new chicken carer after buying a house that optionally came with the chickens already residing there. Of course we said heck yes!

We currently have 7 girls:
3 Australorps
2 orpingtons
1 Plymouth Rock
1 white Rhode Island (I think. She is a new addition from family and we're attempting to slowwwwly transition her into the flock.)

I have a zoology degree and plenty of zookeeping & wildlife rehab experience, so I'm no shy person about cleanliness/nutrition/illnesses/smells, but that doesn't mean I know how chickens behave and the best way to help them thrive (yet).

Our flock's previous owner was a diligent person with respect for life, but with a goal of gaining eggs and eventually some food on the table. The flock is nameless, has had minimal interaction with humans (but nothing traumatic, very well cared for) and has had no treatment for illnesses or pecking issues.

Since we're new to this, it's a steep learning curve to get these girls to the thriving, peaceful lives we're hoping to instill! That's what motivated me to find a chicken community to share information.

I'm also a fan of mapping, gardening, indoor plants, hiking, and trying to use up these eggs in different recipes!

I'm excited to have found you guys.
Cheers

 

[MarantaOrp]

They really don't need much interaction with humans except for fresh air, fresh feed, clean water, some foraging time and locking up at dusk to protect from predators.

They definitely don't. But human interaction is one of our personal priorities since they can certainly be interactive pets with some bonding time We're not only interested in chickens just for the eggs.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They really don't need much interaction with humans except for fresh air, fresh feed, clean water, some foraging time and locking up at dusk to protect from predators.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and congratulations on your new home and flock.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Congratulations on the bonus feature you got with your house.

 

[Lizzy733]

Mine are ridiculously well handled, but getting them used to your presence and providing incentives to interact are a start. Mealworms are universally liked, so greeting them with treats or implementing a 'treat-call' will go a long way. Also, you can slowly add in enrichment goodies for them, like a stack of cut grass or raked leaves - essentially, you want them to see you as their provider and bringer of goodies.
When gardening, collect any tasty bugs and try calling them over - you may end up with a permanent garden buddy this way
They all have their own personalities, likes and dislikes to discover. Some may never be ok with handling while others may seek you out for a short cuddle or affirmative pat before heading off on a new adventure.
You know you've successfully integrated into your flock once they start coming in the house looking for you

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined our flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<<

BYC has an APP!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community! Best wishes and have lots of fun!

 

[ValerieJ]

We'd sure love to get there some day! For now, that means we're avoiding unpacking boxes to instead sit with them while they range the yard. It's an alright tradeoff.

I'd make that trade. Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[TwoShepherds]

Hello and welcome! Congratulations on your new property and chickens. How nice that you had a little flock ready and waiting for you. I've had my chickens for less than a year, and while I don't have a desire to cuddle them, I've found my chickens are very friendly. When I go outside and call them, they come running over to their gate and will follow me around in the chicken yard. They seem to like being in my presence, and to associate me with good things. I think that's because of treats, as others have already said. I hope you enjoy your chickens as much as we enjoy ours. I've found them to be ridiculously fun to watch.