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

 

[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.

 

[BullChick]

 

[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!

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined us at Backyard Chickens - the pulse beat of the chicken community.

 

[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.

 

[drumstick diva]

Human interaction is a big factor in socializing chickens, and some can be as clever and affectionate as house pets.

 

[sourland]

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

 

[MarantaOrp]

Human interaction is a big factor in socializing chickens, and some can be as clever and affectionate as house pets.

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.

 

[DobieLover]

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