New here :)

[ponchu]

Hello from Western Australia!
Got two 12 week old pullet hens a week ago for my DD's birthday. They’re Australorps.
We live in urban setting, the city council allows up to 6 hens per household in this area. Just 2 is enough as a complete beginner.
The girls get really excited about sprouted wheat, but indifferent to dry mealworms or live earthworms. Strange, I thought they’re supposed to go nuts for them.
Not sure about their names yet, as DD (4 years) keeps changing them...
Glad to have found this forum, will be learning a lot from all the friendly people in here

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Congrats on your new Australorps! You will find they are the sweetest hens ever! I will always keep Aussies in my flock. They are great layers, they are heat and cold tolerant and hardy, but most of all they are very affectionate people loving birds. Docile, friendly lap sitters!

Since yours were not raised by you, you may need to work with them to help them bond with you. Food! Food is a wonderful bonding agent. Go sit with them on their level with some goodies and once they see you in a positive light, they will love you for ever!

As for them not going wild over certain foods...it takes birds young birds a while to trust all food. It's built into them to be leary of all new foods in order to not eat something and die. So give them time and eventually they will eat everything that falls to the floor. LOL Eat now, ask questions later!

Enjoy your new Aussies! And welcome to our flock!

 

[ponchu]

Go sit with them on their level with some goodies

I've been doing that for the last 3 days, they're still very skittish but getting better, I think.
Quote:
Ah, that makes sense. I don't mind them not liking mealworm too much though, they're expensive! We have plenty of free redworms in our compost bin.
Quote: Thank you <3

 

[TwoCrows]

You are doing great with them! Just keep moving slow around them, sit wit them every day and eventually they will see there is nothing to fear. Give them time to get used to you. They will come around. And again, yes, they will eventually eat pretty much everything you offer, chickens are food hounds. LOL

Enjoy your birds!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

G'day and welcome to Backyard Chickens. Byc has a large Aussie presence - the more the merrier. And "Australia, six states and one funny little island." If you want to find out what is going on at home.

 

[jackandnick]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy the site. I've found loads of good info. I have Buff Orpingtons and they are so sweet!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!