new to having chickens

[Donna100]

hi my name is donna and im getting my 3 chickens next week and there coop i cant wait.......but i am worried that i wont be doing things right as i havent had chickens before im new to all this,i have read that keep the chickens locked up in there coop the first 24 to 48 hours is this right???? any advise will help thanks

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hello and
Do you have predators in your area? If so, you've got to keep your chickens inside a coop or run all the time, or else under a watchful eye, if you don't want to risk something running off with them! If you have no predators, like us, it should be fine to let your chickens free range and it's not really necessary to lock them in the coop. (Although if you want them to get used to sleeping in their new home, it might be a good idea to shut the door for the first couple of nights to keep them inside.)
Any questions you have, don't hesitate to post them on the forum, there are many people who can help you answer them. Good luck!

 

[greymane]

 

[Kevin565]

 

[g2smil]

Welcome to BYC from Northern Virginia! Hope you enjoy your chicks!

 

[OldGuy43]

Welcome to BYC Donna. Don't stress. You may not know a lot about raising chickens, but the chickens have been doing it for a long time.

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome from Ohio...glad you joined us

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio, so glad you joined.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

To help them understand where they live and need to lay, keep them in for 3-4 days. That will also give them a chance to know you, and to come for treats when you call.