new chickens not drinking...

[jsmith2952]

Hi all,

Hope someone can help. I just became the proud owner of three 2 month old red star chickens. They've been all huddled up inside the coop for 36 hours or so. I've left the pop door open so they can access the run. I have a waterer in the run and a small pet waterer in the coop (the kind that has a spout and ball). I've been checking on them periodically, and trying to spend some quiet time with them. Not one has stepped foot out of the coop (unless they're nocturnal... ), and although I saw one peck at the waterer in the coop and drink the water there, so far, little, if any water has been consumed--the bottle is still really full. Last night, in desperation, I put a water dish in the coop, and this morning it was, as I expected, full of shavings and poop!!

I've read on various websites and in threads here on BYC, that chickens drink a lot of water and can get pretty sick if they don't. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I can do? Will they eventually figure it all out and should I just give them time to do it?

Thanks so much,

Jen

 

[Fred's Hens]

Jen

Be sure water is available in the coop. They are all confused about the big change in their lives. They will not likely venture out for awhile. They need to feel secure first. Feed them and water them inside. After a few days, they will adjust just fine.

Put the feeder and waterer up on a 3" or 4" platform. Use a landscaping block or similar.

 

[jsmith2952]

thanks for the reply! i'll do that right now!