Newbie here.... and what an introduction!

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KristenW

KristenW

In the Brooder
5 Years
Jan 24, 2014
10
0
22
Hello from Scotland!

I got my first three hens on Friday, just young, barnyard mixes as far as I know. There is one little speckled girl, who I'm hoping will become my friend, and two black ones, one of which has quite an attitude!




What a mad couple of days I've had with them! Yesterday I went out to a commotion and discovered what I think was a sparrowhawk sat on the top of their run. Thankfully they're just a bit too big for a sparrowhawk but still, they weren't impressed! And then this morning the cat finally discovered their existence (I've been keeping her in through the day) and although she couldn't get to them, this black madam above spooked and flew off over the fence into nearby woodland. Cue the Benny Hill theme and a lot of running.... Clearly we didn't clip them enough!

Anyway, we finally managed to get her back but I'm just a little worried about their stress levels. I did come back to our first egg though, so maybe they are settling a little.

This website is fantastic by the way! It's helped with all my queries and worries so far, so thank you very much!!

Kristen
 
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Hi Kristen and welcome to BYC! You do sound egg-cited! You have some pretty birds there. The black one looks like a Black Australorp...? The Aussies can be very fun and affectionate birds. Mine follow me around like drooling puppies looking for attention or a lap to sit on.
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Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!
 
KristenW.... congrats on your first birds! They are beautiful!

Welcome to the site, it is indeed a treasure trove of information! You may want to add a netting over your run, at least till your birds are settled in and less prone to 'flying the coop'. Here in the states we can buy rather inexpensive fine mesh used to cover trees and bushes to protect their crops from deer and wild birds, you probably have similar at your local feed store or anywhere which sells gardening supplies.

We placed it over an open area of our run, and tied orange pieces of rope onto it in a few places so it moves a bit in the breeze and improves the chances of birds seeing that it is there (both our own and wild ones) and it does prevent the wild birds from freely accessing the run. We just zig-zagged yellow nylon rope back and forth over the top of the run to help keep the netting from sagging too much. It is not intended to be predator proof because a raccoon or possum could easily chew through it (though I guess it would prevent raptor or owl access).

The best way I have found to improve people/bird relations is simply by spending time with them, keep tasty bird feed of some type in your pocket and a comfy cushion and go sit in the run or coop with them.
Let them get used to you and your voice and they will soon associate you with good things. There is a list on here of safe and tasty treats your birds can enjoy... I don't have it bookmarked on this computer but will look it up for you.


Found it! https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens
 
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Cheers folks!

We have now put some netting over the run but it's quite fine and I have noticed a few wild birds struggling to get through. There is an area above a large bush left un-netted so they can get out but I think I'll try your coloured rope trick, and hope it keeps the wild ones away. Thanks!

I had wondered if the black chooks might be Australorps. They were given to us by a friend who had so many free ranging, I'd be surprised if they were pure bred. Some one else suggested Black Rocks but I'm having a hard time finding an image of a grown Black Rock that doesn't have some colour through it.

Even in the few days we've had them they do seem to be getting more and more friendly, so fingers crossed that with some tasty bribes we'll be friends in no time.
 
She does look like a black Australorp and a pretty one. If raptors can see the netting they should avoid your covered run. They don't want to damage their wings flying through it. I remember one garden center had holographic bird tape, that sparkled and flashed several colors especially when it was windy out. That's a good reminder for raptors also.
 
Alright Kristen
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great to have you here with us
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Nice coop you have there from what I can see but it sound's like you might want to get some inexpensive cloth net or chicken wire from Home Depo to cover the top to both keep critters out and chickens in ,,,,,,, just an idea
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Enjoy your chicken's
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