New to being a Chicken Parent

[ChickenLittle506]

Hi Everyone! My boyfriend and I become chicken parents after work today when I go to pick them up from the feeds n' needs store near home. I'm nervous but very excited to meet our new laying hens, there will be 3 of them! I have names already: Bernice, Beatrice, and Barbara! They probably won't care about their names, but that's ok

I have a couple questions, then I'll answer the questions provided in this forum so that you'll get to know more about us!

My Questions:
1) I have cardboard boxes with air holes and shredded paper with a paper towel base all prepared, on for each chicken- slightly varying sizes. Do you recommend anything different or anything additional?

2) What should I expect while driving them home (I have a car- they will be in their boxes in the back seat)? Will they be cranky, squawking? Will they bite me or try to flap and fly away?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Here are my answers to your questions:
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
Yes- 1st time chicken mama! From Feeds n' Needs!

(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
We will have 3 ladies!

(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
I love to run and take adventures with our pup, Gerri, and read on the couch with our cats! I also, crochet, quilt, and volunteer!

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
Right now, its just my boyfriend and I for now.
Mama of 3 rescues- 1 collie mix, 3 domestic short haired kitties!

(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
I found BYC by searching for proper bedding options for our new chickens! Thanks for having helpful information- it's making this first-time experience so much easier!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new hobby. The boxes will be fine. The birds need to be confined to their coop for 3-4 days (with food and water) to help them recognise the coop as “home”.

Here are some links to key resources:

• List of guides on how to use the site - announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3
• Great resource for beginners - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/learning-center.11/
• Good starting point for browsing the site - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/
• Interesting feedback on how members manage their flocks -https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archives
• Excellent source of local information - Find your State's thread. Use the BYC search facility to find other country / regional threads.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. How old are the birds ? They will not be cranky, may squawk if adults, it is highly unlikely that they will bite you, if older they may flap and try to get away. If still chicks they will need a supplemental heat source.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Are these full grown chickens?? From a feed store? Do you already have a coop and run ready to go?

 

[CarpCharacin]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you decided to join our wonderful community!

 

[Shadrach]

Hello ChickenLittle506.
Welcome to BYC.
If you're picking up laying hens then sure, if you poke them with your finger they are likely to peck you.
A tip. Forget about the chicken parent idea. The parenting bit has already been done.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUN-omenal community! Best wishes and have Lots of FUN!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Glad that you joined! Good luck with your new flock!

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome Nice to have you here!