New Chickens not eating or drinking?

[The Phantom]

If they are tame I would let them free range. They can use the coop to lay eggs and sleep in at night.

 

[peeper89]

r they eatin now?

 

[coach723]

Is it normal for your chickens to not make a single noise? They havent made a single sound since they have moved. Seems weird to me

They are not 'home' yet. Everything has changed and change is hard on them. They have lost their flock, they are in a new place, new house, new sounds, new smells. They are not going to make noise and attract an attack in this unfamiliar place. They are stressed and hiding. It will take time for them to accept this as 'home'. They may be more familiar with a feeder that looks more like this :

I would do as henpenjen suggested and mix in some of the feed they are used to. Some birds prefer crumbles over pellets also, and placing some feed and water inside the house until they are ready to venture out would be a good idea. You can try to entice them with a small amount of sunflower seeds or mealworms or cooked egg sprinkled over their food to get them started. It's just going to take some time.

 

[andreanar]

Agree that the chickens are just nervous. Chickens don't like change. Don't let them free range yet! They will just go look for a place to hide! Let them get used to their new surroundings and learn that their coop and run is home and safe. As for the feed, most chickens love wetted down feed. Soak some of their feed in water to make a mash and set it in their coop and leave them to it. Pellets seem to be less liked than crumbles, so try soaking those pellets to make them more palatable. Good luck, relax, and know that they will be fine once they calm down.

 

[J&Kfeatheredfowl]

I’m a bit late to the party, but I would leave them be, as much ass your excited for you hens to be out and about, they may just need time alone, I’ve had family who have picked up new chickens and they didn’t move around the run till the next morning, how are they now?

 

[ben0125]

r they eatin now?

next day and none of them have eaten,(havent seen them drink but water is full. I just went out and feed them again.

 

[ben0125]

I’m a bit late to the party, but I would leave them be, as much ass your excited for you hens to be out and about, they may just need time alone, I’ve had family who have picked up new chickens and they didn’t move around the run till the next morning, how are they now?

still cuddled up in their nesting boxs

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Many good posts here, and lots of experience too! Keep us posted on the progress of your new hens.

 

[ben0125]

Agree that the chickens are just nervous. Chickens don't like change. Don't let them free range yet! They will just go look for a place to hide! Let them get used to their new surroundings and learn that their coop and run is home and safe. As for the feed, most chickens love wetted down feed. Soak some of their feed in water to make a mash and set it in their coop and leave them to it. Pellets seem to be less liked than crumbles, so try soaking those pellets to make them more palatable. Good luck, relax, and know that they will be fine once they calm down.

I crushed some up and they tried and didnt like it

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Hm-m-m, I am guessing you have 3, light Sussex hens, 8-10 months old? I too, have a light Sussex. Calm, gentle, active, that is how they are described in Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart. My girl is skittish and flighty. When you have a young, mini-flock and they are in unfamiliar surroundings, they will be cautious. Your girls appear in good shape. I know you have a waterer and feed trough, but, you should try putting a low pail of water and food in a pan. They will see it from the door, and may be enticed to take a chance. Also, the area is very open around the pen, no nearby shrubs, trees or structures. This may be making them feel vulnerable.

I crushed some up and they tried and didnt like it

Wow, they are on strike! Ok, get that crushed feed and moisten it with a little water (not soggy). If that doesn't work, mix in some cooked grain: oat groats, wheat berries, barley, or brown rice, whatever you have in the kitchen. I'm sure they are feeling hungry, they won't eat much if not laying, but they still have to eat.