New chickens arrived last night

[cluckaway]

The girls are Orphingtons. They spent their first night with us in their new coop in the upper nesting box with a light. Only one made it up the stairs last night to join the other three.. This morning they are all still upstairs and their food and water is down on the ground. Should I lift them down myself so they can eat and drink? I believe they are a few weeks old but are not completly feathered. Can I give them some fruit and other vegetable scraps at this young age? Thank you for any input.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, cluckaway, and

! Pleased you joined our community! Not sure how old your chicks are but at few weeks they should be able to have treats in moderation. Not sure what you mean by upstairs and their food is down on the ground. Is there a ramp they can walk up and down? If no, no sweat. If they have to fly it may be a problem. Good luck to you!

 

[cluckaway]

Thanks for the info. The girls have a ladder and seem to be able to navigate UP the stairs but have yet to go down the stairs.
When I took one down she climbed the ladder to be with her sisters in the nesting boxes up.
I put some food and water up in the nesting box but hope they figure out ow to go downstairs to get some sun and more food and drink

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[drumstick diva]

chicks usually don't go out in the coop until they are fully feathered out - that also makes them older and bigger - so it's easier to reach things or navigate a ramp etc. Usually once one figures out how to do something the others will follow but, they are 'bird brains.' so you have to work that that.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[cluckaway]

The girls are doing quite well. Managed to climb the stairs to their nesting boxes last night. I was told that they will enjoy a dirt and diatomaceos earth bath which helps keep mites away? The ladies are only a month old and have not completly feathered out. Is it too soon to offer them this treat? Also- it is obvious that the coop we bought is WAY to small when they grow . Need to build or find a chicken run. Any suggestions?