Ok! Now what??

[Leonard4]

Chickens have been in the coop a couple weeks and have a nice routine down. Now what? Do I just let them chill out there? Obviously I’ve been going out and checking on them and cleaning and talking to them, but is there something else I need to do? Toys? Snacks? Do I need to pick them up and check their health?

Also, I just got some food grade DE. Can I make a dust bath with it or do I just use it when I clean the coop?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DobieLover]

Chickens have been in the coop a couple weeks and have a nice routine down. Now what? Do I just let them chill out there? Obviously I’ve been going out and checking on them and cleaning and talking to them, but is there something else I need to do? Toys? Snacks? Do I need to pick them up and check their health?

Also, I just got some food grade DE. Can I make a dust bath with it or do I just use it when I clean the coop?

Thanks in advance!

Do you have a run attached to the coop? If you do, they should be out in the run all day on their own.
Return the DE. Certainly do not make a dust bath with it. If you want to make a dust bath site for them, they prefer to dust bathe in sunny spots. They will dig their own but you can provide a spot and amend it with concrete sand, wood ash, peat moss, top soil or a combination of any of these.
Do you have perches, logs or other objects for them to jump on?
Maybe post some pictures of your set up.
You will hear a lot of differing opinions in the snack department. I rarely give snacks. I do give my chickens some veggie cuttings, the occasional handful of mealworms and the rare cup of yogurt. None of it is necessary.
Health checks should be done regularly. I like to examine faces, vents, skin, legs, claws/spurs monthly and address any issues or do maintenance. I also regularly weigh my birds on a digital scale and record that on a spreadsheet I keep to make sure no one is dropping or gaining significant weight for unknown reasons.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Chickens have been in the coop a couple weeks and have a nice routine down. Now what? Do I just let them chill out there? Obviously I’ve been going out and checking on them and cleaning and talking to them, but is there something else I need to do? Toys? Snacks? Do I need to pick them up and check their health?

Also, I just got some food grade DE. Can I make a dust bath with it or do I just use it when I clean the coop?

Thanks in advance!

First of all, congrats! Having an uneventful integration is a celebration in itself!

Secondly, checking health every few days is a good idea because problems in chicks and especially summer happen quickly. Plus, it's good practice in case you do ever have to administer care to get them used to being handled.

Treat training depends on what kind of birds you want. Mine free range our acre during the day but literally come running and flying whenever they see me or I call them. They also stick to me like glue when I'm outside, nap on me when I sit in the yard and let me groom their feathers/beaks/bums as needed without any hesitation (they also return the favor by ridding me of all lint, dirt, etc ). BUT- this has made them pet like and I'm very attached. They also get upset when I go long periods without acknowledging them. You may not want birds following you everywhere or clambering against the coop each time they see you. If you're simply looking for good egg laying hens then maintain their health and keep doing what you're doing!

DE is something I use, others are firmly against it. I have had zero issues. You'll want to dilute it into some actual dirt/sand mixed with sifted fire ash if you've got it. If not just sand and/or dirt will suffice! Just a sprinkle into the bath box is plenty. I add a bit to fresh bedding at cleaning time. Good ventilation is key here! You don't want that clouding up with nowhere to go!

Great job and keep us posted!

 

[Leonard4]

Do you have a run attached to the coop? If you do, they should be out in the run all day on their own.
Return the DE. Certainly do not make a dust bath with it. If you want to make a dust bath site for them, they prefer to dust bathe in sunny spots. They will dig their own but you can provide a spot and amend it with concrete sand, wood ash, peat moss, top soil or a combination of any of these.
Do you have perches, logs or other objects for them to jump on?
Maybe post some pictures of your set up.
You will hear a lot of differing opinions in the snack department. I rarely give snacks. I do give my chickens some veggie cuttings, the occasional handful of mealworms and the rare cup of yogurt. None of it is necessary.
Health checks should be done regularly. I like to examine faces, vents, skin, legs, claws/spurs monthly and address any issues or do maintenance. I also regularly weigh my birds on a digital scale and record that on a spreadsheet I keep to make sure no one is dropping or gaining significant weight for unknown reasons.

Yes, there is a run. I’ll post a pic. I forgot about the roost for the run. We’ll get there in there ASAP. They have one in the coop. As for treats, I meant mealworms but also veggies and greens. My in-laws birds eat everything under the sun with their regular chicken food.

 

[Leonard4]

Here’s my coop

 

[Henriettamom919]

That's a great little run! Just get them something to do! Logs offer something to roost on and explore! You can hang veggies like a head of kale or cabbage from a string so they have to work to get pieces off as it swings. A few stacked pieces of wood at varying heights make a good spot for king (or queen, as it were ) of the mountain.

 

[Noy]

I would add stuff for them to scratch through... like a pile of pine shavings, grass clippings, weeds (dirt ball and all), dirt, etc. You can throw some scratch on top, too, if you want.

We give our chicks a little of everything, from vegi bits to fruit to a half a hot dog the kids didn't finish... they go nuts for most of it, especially eggs and... chicken meat...

 

[JadeFarms]

Nice coop. They should have hanging corn. It’s a favorite. I check mine at least once a weak, and give them vitamins once a week.

 

[tpatricco]

Nice coop. They should have hanging corn. It’s a favorite.

So, just hang an uncooked (but shucked) ear of corn or two from a piece of twine in the run?

 

[JadeFarms]

So, just hang an uncooked (but shucked) ear of corn or two from a piece of twine in the run?

Yeah, that’s what I do.