New Jersey

[Lorraine436]

I'm so sorry to hear about your chicken and am hoping she makes a full recovery.

 

[Lorraine436]

When I introduce new birds, I keep the new ones inside the wire cage inside the coop for up to two weeks to allow the rest to get used to them. I have some 7-week-olds in a cage in the coop right now. They'll probably stay there the full two weeks so they can grow a bit while everyone acclimates. Then I usually let the new ones out during the day, but they sleep in the cage at night a bit longer. If everyone seems ok, then I take the cage away. It can be a pain having to refill the separate food and water dishes, but I have found this method greatly reduces the fighting when they are finally let out with the rest. (REDUCES - not eliminates! There will still be some squabbling, but it's so anti-climactic at that point, it's like they are doing it for show. Still, just keep an eye out in case someone can't get over themselves.)

Thank you so much for the advice!

 

[Lorraine436]

My chicks were shipped on Monday - June 17. I received a call at 5am this morning and was told to come pick up the chicks. When I got there the postal worker told me there was a smell and it was probably not good. I heard chirping and crossed my fingers they were alright. When I got home I opened the box and saw 3 chirping away and one in the corner that didn't make it. I ordered 6 but only saw 4. I woke my husband up because I didn't want to look. He pulled out the bedding and found the other 2 under the bedding - they must have suffocated. I don't know if they could have gotten under there by themselves or if the box may have dropped during shipment and they got caught underneath when the box was turned right side up. I feel so awful about it and feel responsible because they wouldn't be in the box if I didn't order them. We buried them.

I'm going to call and ask that the 3 be replaced - it's such a shame and I'm dreading another order because I don't know what I'll find when the box is opened.

I don't know how long it will take for them to be ready for shipping but will the age difference make a difference with the new ones I have now?

 

[mame1616]

My chicks were shipped on Monday - June 17. I received a call at 5am this morning and was told to come pick up the chicks. When I got there the postal worker told me there was a smell and it was probably not good. I heard chirping and crossed my fingers they were alright. When I got home I opened the box and saw 3 chirping away and one in the corner that didn't make it. I ordered 6 but only saw 4. I woke my husband up because I didn't want to look. He pulled out the bedding and found the other 2 under the bedding - they must have suffocated. I don't know if they could have gotten under there by themselves or if the box may have dropped during shipment and they got caught underneath when the box was turned right side up. I feel so awful about it and feel responsible because they wouldn't be in the box if I didn't order them. We buried them.

I'm going to call and ask that the 3 be replaced - it's such a shame and I'm dreading another order because I don't know what I'll find when the box is opened.

I don't know how long it will take for them to be ready for shipping but will the age difference make a difference with the new ones I have now?

I guess it would depend on how long it took to re-fill your order. Sometimes, depending on the breed, at that age two weeks is a big difference, especially in size and attitude. You'll just have to wait and see. Keep us posted.

 

[kahlua]

My chicks were shipped on Monday - June 17. I received a call at 5am this morning and was told to come pick up the chicks. When I got there the postal worker told me there was a smell and it was probably not good. I heard chirping and crossed my fingers they were alright. When I got home I opened the box and saw 3 chirping away and one in the corner that didn't make it. I ordered 6 but only saw 4. I woke my husband up because I didn't want to look. He pulled out the bedding and found the other 2 under the bedding - they must have suffocated. I don't know if they could have gotten under there by themselves or if the box may have dropped during shipment and they got caught underneath when the box was turned right side up. I feel so awful about it and feel responsible because they wouldn't be in the box if I didn't order them. We buried them.

I'm going to call and ask that the 3 be replaced - it's such a shame and I'm dreading another order because I don't know what I'll find when the box is opened.

I don't know how long it will take for them to be ready for shipping but will the age difference make a difference with the new ones I have now?

What breeds did you order? I have some EE's and OE's hatching on Monday if you can't get replacements within a reasonable timeframe.

 

[NJchixs]

My chicks were shipped on Monday - June 17.  I received a call at 5am this morning and was told to come pick up the chicks.  When I got there the postal worker told me there was a smell and it was probably not good.  I heard chirping and crossed my fingers they were alright.  When I got home I opened the box and saw 3 chirping away and one in the corner that didn't make it.  I ordered 6 but only saw 4.  I woke my husband up because I didn't want to look.  He pulled out the bedding and found the other 2 under the bedding - they must have suffocated.  I don't know if they could have gotten under there by themselves or if the box may have dropped during shipment and they got caught underneath when the box was turned right side up.  I feel so awful about it and feel responsible because they wouldn't be in the box if I didn't order them.  We buried them. 

I'm going to call and ask that the 3 be replaced - it's such a shame and I'm dreading another order because I don't know what I'll find when the box is opened. 

I don't know how long it will take for them to be ready for shipping but will the age difference make a difference with the new ones I have now? 

What breeds did you order? I have some EE's and OE's hatching on Monday if you can't get replacements within a reasonable timeframe.

That sounds like a good idea.

 

[llandry]

WOW! I haven't been on in two weeks and i feel so out of the loop!!! Foxes, bears, horrible neighbors, new homes needed galore, flies, oh my. Anyone who uses a tablet- is the forum site acting up for you??? I've been having a terrible time from mine. It just sits and continues to refresh. I keep meaning to check in with you all during the day from work but i'm just so busy.

I'm so sorry for the fox issues. We've had our troubles with predators last year, so far none this year but the trap is constantly set. Now it's just a darn rabbit who's taken to my vegetable and herb garden. For the member who mentioned electric fencing, we got it this spring and it's amazing! I think it's why we haven't had any predators so far.

As for the flies, they're HORRIBLE!!! We clean the coop daily and rake their yard (which is 40 X 40 feet) weekly. I use DE in their food and coop, but never thought to put it on the ground in their yard. Will that cut down on them? I've never heard of fly bags but i'm going to look into them. I use a flour sifter to sprinkle it around the coop and nesting boxes. It works great!

So we have our first broody hen. It's our FBCM and for the past three days i don't think she's been out of the nesting box for more than an hour each day. She's just sitting on the other eggs happy as can be. If i go and pick her up and put her out in the yard she just stretches and goes back in. I see her stand up and check the eggs under her too. This is what broody is right? I have to go search some threads to see what to do. Just curious, is it bad for her to be broody? I'm not concerned that it leaves me down an egg each day. Will she eventually come around or do i have to straighten her out? She even slept in the box the last few nights.

 

[NJchixs]

WOW! I haven't been on in two weeks and i feel so out of the loop!!! Foxes, bears, horrible neighbors, new homes needed galore, flies, oh my. Anyone who uses a tablet- is the forum site acting up for you??? I've been having a terrible time from mine. It just sits and continues to refresh. I keep meaning to check in with you all during the day from work but i'm just so busy.

I'm so sorry for the fox issues. We've had our troubles with predators last year, so far none this year but the trap is constantly set. Now it's just a darn rabbit who's taken to my vegetable and herb garden. For the member who mentioned electric fencing, we got it this spring and it's amazing! I think it's why we haven't had any predators so far.

As for the flies, they're HORRIBLE!!! We clean the coop daily and rake their yard (which is 40 X 40 feet) weekly. I use DE in their food and coop, but never thought to put it on the ground in their yard. Will that cut down on them? I've never heard of fly bags but i'm going to look into them. I use a flour sifter to sprinkle it around the coop and nesting boxes. It works great!

So we have our first broody hen. It's our FBCM and for the past three days i don't think she's been out of the nesting box for more than an hour each day. She's just sitting on the other eggs happy as can be. If i go and pick her up and put her out in the yard she just stretches and goes back in. I see her stand up and check the eggs under her too. This is what broody is right? I have to go search some threads to see what to do. Just curious, is it bad for her to be broody? I'm not concerned that it leaves me down an egg each day. Will she eventually come around or do i have to straighten her out? She even slept in the box the last few nights.

 

OMG can I give you some eggs to put under her? You CAN HATCH SOME EGGS! Won't it be fun! The kids would love it. Ok I'm trying to twist your arm. Let me know lol. And yes flies, gnats and Mosquitos are killing me.

 

[llandry]

I would definitely take some eggs.......... if you take them after they hatch!?!?!?! Is that a possiblitiy???? I would loooooooove that!

 

[Lorraine436]

What breeds did you order? I have some EE's and OE's hatching on Monday if you can't get replacements within a reasonable timeframe.

Hi Kahlua,

Thank you for the offer. The ones that didn't make it were the Light Brahma, Blue Orpington and Light Brown Leghorn. In order to be considered for exact replacements it would be 2 or more weeks. The little ones will be too old by then - I read. I had to place a brand new order and was limited to what I could get shipped out by Monday. I had to order a minimum of 4 so I got 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Golden Buff and a Speckeled Sussex. I'm hoping these all make it. If they don't, I'm not ordering any more and, if you don't mind, I will contact you for one or two of the EE's you offered, if you don't mind. I will definitely let you know by mid-week next week.

Thanks so much!!