New Chickens not eating or drinking?

[Hen Pen Jem]

Well, it is 4:30 here. I must go out and let my chickens out to free range till sun down. I must watch over them while they have their fun, unfortunately a bobcat has been stalking them. It already took one of my hens in August. But, these are the things we do to give quality of life to our animals.

 

[ben0125]

Yes, in fact you will find that they are very smart. Once they trust you and see that good things come from their keeper, they will be happy hens. Chickens are not robots, they have feelings of fear, anxiousness, contentment, enjoyment too. They have really good memory also. You are in the bonding period right now, building trust. Speak softly to your little girls. Let them get used to hearing your voice, move slowly in their environment. Don't let dogs bark or harass them, young children also must be taught that these are living things, and must be treated kindly. In return they will serve your family by providing eggs!

So after giving them their food and water in a pan I can go back to the feeder?

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

When you feel they are eating and drinking water and are relaxed, yes. I think they will be glad to eat from the new feeder and drink from that beautiful waterer. In the Summer I put extra metal pails with water for the chickens, and for some reason, I notice they like to drink from the metal pails. Then again, if I pour out some water on the ground they come running to drink it! Chickens are funny...

 

[ben0125]

When you feel they are eating and drinking water and are relaxed, yes. I think they will be glad to eat from the new feeder and drink from that beautiful waterer. In the Summer I put extra metal pails with water for the chickens, and for some reason, I notice they like to drink from the metal pails. Then again, if I pour out some water on the ground they come running to drink it! Chickens are funny...

they started eating and drinking! Still don't like pellets though, I got my first egg surprisingly and its a small white one. I was pretty shocked

 

[sawilliams]

glad to hear they are starting to adjust...

 

[sawilliams]

glad to hear they are starting to adjust...

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

they started eating and drinking! Still don't like pellets though, I got my first egg surprisingly and its a small white one. I was pretty shocked

That's is just wonderful! I am sure you will do a good job taking care of them. It takes time to learn about chickens. They are really surprising and interesting creatures. I enjoy taking care of my birds. And if you have any concerns, you know you can get answers from all these experienced members at BYC. You should also get some good books about caring for chickens like: "Treating the Sick or Injured Chicken" by Amelia Barrow, also "Fresh Eggs Daily: raising happy, healthy, chickens...naturally" by Lisa Steele. These are easy to understand but are very informative. You will find that there are many different styles of raising chickens and reasons too! But these are your birds, and you will decide what works for you and them. Good job!!!

 

[ben0125]

UPDATE: The hens have been eating, but haven't had any water! I've got a bowl of water and my waterer in vision from inside the coop but they don't drink! (I can tell from marking the water line level