New leghorns

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Hi
My neighbours just got me a dozen leghorns. They are a year old and come from an egg farm of over 1000 birds. They have spent their first year in essentially a nesting cage with no room to move around at all. Is there anything I need to do to encourage them to adapt to their new environment of a coop and run?
I've never raised chickens before so any and all info/help is good info/help.

 

[apryl29]

I've moved /expanded my chicken's housing/ run a couple times now and they don't have any issues adapting to the changes. I would think as long as the food and water are in an area where they can easily get to it, they should adapt fine. They may take a little while before they start laying b/c moving could be an adjustment for some of the birds, but just make sure there is nesting boxes available for them, they will figure it out. It sounds like those are some really lucky birds.

 

[adstowe]

Agree with apryl29. Especially the "really lucky birds part". I would expect there to be a break in their laying while they adjust to the change so, don't be discouraged if they don't lay for a while. There's a good chance it will take a few days (or more) for them to start feeling comfortable and confident in their new surroundings. They'll get it though. Nothing you really need to do. You've made those poor hen's lives immeasurably better. Good for you! Tons of knowledgeable people on here (not claiming to be one. Many others are though). Feel free to ask questions as you learn your new, addicting hobby

 

[keesmom]

Are you sure they are 1 year old? Or are they closer to 18 months when companies usually replace layers?

If they are closer to 18 months don't be surprised when they likely molt before they start laying again.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Keesmom.

I think that I'd put them on a good multi flock feed: somewhere between 18 - 22% protein, and offer oyster shell on the side. You should also be sure they have access to grit, since they most likely have never had access to green vegetation. Be on the look out for aggression issues: Mediterranean birds tend to be more flighty and can be more aggressive. They will be working out a new pecking order. What do you have for a coop and run set up? The general recommendation for a back yard flock is 4 s.f. in coop, and 10 s.f. in run per bird. These birds are also light weight, and as soon as they are feeling comfortable in their new home, they may fly over your fence if they get the chance. You may need to clip their wings in the future. Have you inspected them for mites and lice??? If not, do so, and treat if they are carrying any "visitors".

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Are you sure they are 1 year old? Or are they closer to 18 months when companies usually replace layers?

If they are closer to 18 months don't be surprised when they likely molt before they start laying again.

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Actually they are molting right now, so you could be right about the age.

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Agreed with Keesmom.

I think that I'd put them on a good multi flock feed: somewhere between 18 - 22% protein, and offer oyster shell on the side. You should also be sure they have access to grit, since they most likely have never had access to green vegetation. Be on the look out for aggression issues: Mediterranean birds tend to be more flighty and can be more aggressive. They will be working out a new pecking order. What do you have for a coop and run set up? The general recommendation for a back yard flock is 4 s.f. in coop, and 10 s.f. in run per bird. These birds are also light weight, and as soon as they are feeling comfortable in their new home, they may fly over your fence if they get the chance. You may need to clip their wings in the future. Have you inspected them for mites and lice??? If not, do so, and treat if they are carrying any "visitors".

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Thanks for the advice. As this is a last minute deal we haven't started to build our coop. Our neighbours are letting us use their old coop until we get ours built. They had a system bath today (first in their lives) but due to my work schedule I haven't had a chance to really inspect them. I'll be able to do that tomorrow. We're thinking of converting a shed (probably 6x8) with an outdoor run of 18x18x18. Does that sound about right or should we go with a larger building?

The oyster shell and grit should be in the side and not added to their food?

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Agree with apryl29. Especially the "really lucky birds part". I would expect there to be a break in their laying while they adjust to the change so, don't be discouraged if they don't lay for a while. There's a good chance it will take a few days (or more) for them to start feeling comfortable and confident in their new surroundings. They'll get it though. Nothing you really need to do. You've made those poor hen's lives immeasurably better. Good for you! Tons of knowledgeable people on here (not claiming to be one. Many others are though). Feel free to ask questions as you learn your new, addicting hobby