New Chicken Questions

[longlegz86]

We just bought our first chickens Saturday. There is 4 (mixed) Barred Rocks...(from what ive heard)......and a RIR rooster. How long should it take for them to settle down and start laying eggs?

Another question... How do I get them to stop pooping inside the nest boxes and on top of the nest boxes?

 

[Happy Chooks]

It depends on how old they are. If they are in their first year, they will probably start in a week or so. If they are older, they may be in molt, and it can take several months.

Don't let them sleep/roost on the nesting boxes. Make sure the roosts are higher than the nesting boxes.

 

[longlegz86]

It depends on how old they are. If they are in their first year, they will probably start in a week or so. If they are older, they may be in molt, and it can take several months.

Don't let them sleep/roost on the nesting boxes. Make sure the roosts are higher than the nesting boxes.

They are around 5-6 months old. The rooster is a bit older I think. Probably a Year old. I may have to make better roosts because they are alittle low.

 

[longlegz86]

Does it usually take them a while to settle into a new home?.....or it just depend on them?

 

[nova022]

It usually does take a little while to settle after a move. Just give them a little time and patience.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Chickens hate change - any change. So it will take them a while to settle in. If they are 5-6 months old, they may not be laying yet.

 

[longlegz86]

Ok thanks. They have gotten used to being around us fairly quick so maybe they will settle in soon. Hope they stop pooping in the nests lol