New to the Coop! :)

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Hello and Welcome to BYC!! I have had chickens now for almost a year. I just got 6 new chicks a week ago...I think I am going to need a bigger coop if I keep this trend up, lol.

I got into chickens because I need a distraction from anxiety. It helped caring for and spending time with them. I have four hens and two of them didn't mind being handled when they were little. We spent a lot of time sitting by the brooder trying to get them used to us and being handled. When they were several months old even the friendliest ones decided they didn't want to be picked up. Kinda made me feel bad, but when they began laying they all could easily be caught and handled. Now they will all come running when they see me and are quite talkative. I enjoy spending time outside with them.

Best wishes with your little ones
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drumstick diva said:
Hi Lindsay, nice to meet you. Talk therapy and medication can make a big difference. I was agoraphobic, claustrophobic , severe social phobia, major depression etc.. I didn't get into therapy till I was 34. Never went to a prom, sleep over, anything. Too afraid to leave the house. I don't do anything spectacular but, am able to go places alone like family restaurants, movie theatres to the earliest show (almost no people inside).I lived with my parents also - they have passed on.

As to socializing your chicks. The way to their heart is through their stomach. You can start by sitting on the ground and ignoring them. After they realize you aren't going to harm or eat them - they will be more at ease in your presence. Then start throwing some treats to them, gradually having the treats very close to you. In time they will anticipate you(the treat lady) and start to climb in your lap, or push each other out of the way to get to you. They may never be friendly like a puppy would be, but chickens can be expressive in their own way. It just takes time and patience, slow moves, and soft talks.

Glad you joined the Backyard chickens flock.
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I've had therapy and medication, don't worry. :) I first went to therapy when I was seventeen, after I "dropped out" of school. My anxiety was so bad that I tried to...well, you know. Since then I've been diagnosed with Major Depression, General Anxiety Disorder, and auditory hallucinations. I take a medication that helps me not feel sad all the time, and lets me at least go out and socialize a bit. I still can't do a lot of things though, like drive a car (I shake like a leaf), phone calls freak me out, and I can't be in large crowds alone. I went to a big convention last year, but I had my Dad and niece with me the entire time.

Sorry about your parents. :( I'm glad you're able to do thing you couldn't before though! Therapy is great, I'm glad it helped you so much.
Michael OShay said:
Welcome to BYC, Lindsay. Glad you decided join to our flock. Red Sex Links can be produced by crossing any red gene rooster (RIRs, NHs, Production Reds) with any silver gene hen (hatcheries use either RIWs, SLWs, Light Sussex, Delawares, or sometimes silver factor White Rocks). Not only can the offspring be sexed from hatching (male chicks are whitish, female chicks are reddish), but they are egg laying machines, outlaying either parent breed. It's one of the interesting quirks of hybridization. You should get loads of eggs from those girls. :o) Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your Red Sex Links.
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Fascinating! :D I've always been interested in genetics, so I love hearing stuff like that. :) I actually looked up what the girls will look like when they grow up, and I can't wait to see! I've already noticed some differences, Bernadette is much darker than the others, and even the feathers she's getting on her wings are darker. I imagine she'll be the darkest of the group when she's full grown as well, while the others will be lighter.

They all have names, but they're hard to tell apart sometimes. XD There's Bernadette, Dorothy, Rose, Sophia, and Blanche.
 
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As the chicks grow up, you will be able to tell them apart. Even if the same breed, each will be unique in some delightful way.

It is really a lot more fun to watch, care for, talk to and spend time with chickens than most people I have known. And spending quiet time with nature reduces stresses.

You are among friends here. Birds of a feather do flock together. So glad you decided to join us.

Good luck with your new flock.
 

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