New Chickens in MA

[theoldchick]

Cute coop!

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.

 

[swampfox440]

Welcome to BYC! pleased to meet you.

 

[sourland]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[Boppo]

Glad to meet you. Welcome to Back Yard Chickens from a Massachusetts neighbor. Beautiful coop!

 

[fox623]

So glad you joined! And good for you, for getting a coop that looks big enough for the hens you have and possibly a couple more, well-made out of quality wood and wire, enough ventilation, predator-proof, and attractive-looking!
You've obviously done your research on what chickens really need, instead of buying the cheapest of foreign-made retail coops and getting your heart broken when predators attack and the coop doesn't hold up, or disintegrates after a few years.
Well done! Hope you enjoy your chicken journey.

Thank you. We are trying to do well by our girls. The town that we live in allows for six chickens, but we think that four is more our speed! Their names are Poo360 (as in poops 360 degrees) and Toots (my boyfriend's son is nine; can you tell that there's a theme?)
Is it a big deal that he wants to grab them and pick them up? Part of me thinks that it will help to socialize them, but they look pretty stressed out when he picks them up.

Do you all think that a cheap pre-made coop is OK for quarantine if we keep it in our garage? We do plan to get two more (Joe already has names picked out ).

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us!

 

[littledog]

LOL, for hens named after various excretions!
There's nothing wrong with your boy handling them and picking them up, it's good to get them used to it for when you need to handle them for medications, moving them, whatever. As long as he is gentle about it and not too grabby! Chasing them can stress them out. It's better to get them used to eating treats out of his hand, being petted a little at a time, jumping into his lap to get treats as he sits quietly, and letting them get away as soon as they want to. Soon they will associate him with lots of treats and handling them will not be stressful. Then it will be easy to catch them when you need to, and not cause them fear.
Yes, a cheap coop in your garage for quarantine, injuries, broodies sitting on eggs or raising chicks (if you go that route) is fine as long as no predators can get into your garage.
Can't wait to hear the other names Joe's picked out!

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Welcome to the coop! Wow, I would love to see some pics of your flock! I use the Forums and Articles tabs at the top of the page to do research. You can get lost for hours. It's nice to know you are minutes away from getting help with questions and emergencies! I love that coop!!!