New Chickens

[cvcowgirl]

We brought home 4 young hens last night and put them in the roost. If they go down the ramp, there is water and feed. So far, they have not come out (10 a.m.) I am wondering....should I put water in the roost for them or just wait for them to brave coming out to get it for themselves?

 

[azygous]

During the day, provide food and water in the coop for these newbies. They will be shy until they adjust to being in a strange new place. Don't rush them.

Are there other chickens in your flock? If so, it may take a while for all of them to adjust.

 

[cvcowgirl]

Thank you so much....just to clarify....(sorry....new at this) the coop is different from their roosting area, right? I do have water and food in their coop which is always there. We have one of those smaller coops...with roosting area, from Costco and then built a very large fully enclosed coop around it. The larger area is where water and food are. I guess because they are not coming down I am wondering if I need to give them water...or will they just come down when they get thirsty/hungry enough?

 

[azygous]

You need to place food and water where they can see them. Chickens are very reluctant to venture where they have no idea what danger may be lurking out of their sight. They are prey animals and foremost in their instincts is to self preservation. It could be a few days before they get up the courage to explore.

You didn't answer my question about other chickens in addition to these new ones. That complicates matters further as new chickens will not feel comfortable challenging the home crew, and will choose to starve themselves rather than risk getting beat up.

 

[cvcowgirl]

Oh, sorry! No, there are no other chickens....but I will put water and food at the bottom of the ramp so they can see. Thank you so much!

 

[ShannonR]

Give em some time. I seriously doubt they will sit in the roost until they keel over from thirst or hunger

 

[PioneerChicks]

Welcome to BYC!

It looks like you already have some good advice, so have a great day!

 

[rosemarythyme]

just to clarify....(sorry....new at this) the coop is different from their roosting area, right? We have one of those smaller coops...with roosting area, from Costco and then built a very large fully enclosed coop around it. The larger area is where water and food are.

Coop is the fully enclosed box with roosting bars and nestboxes. Run is the open fenced space outside.

From what you're describing, I'm assuming you have prefab coop kit? The enclosed section on the prefab is the actual coop, the open area in that same unit is the run. You have an additional run which you've added around that.

 

[cvcowgirl]

Thanks so much everyone! They came out today and seem very happy! So am I!

 

[cvcowgirl]

Ok....so they did come out of their coop, and enjoyed the day out in the run....but tonight... two are roosting on the door that goes into the coop (it stays open all the time...) instead of going inside. Going to be chilly, and rainy (but they are under cover)....wondering if I should pick them up and put them inside in order for them to stay warm and know that this is where they need to go at night.