Teething problems

[Lijong]

Hi all

I've kept chickens for 10 years or so and before Christmas out last chicken died. They were a lovely bunch and we never had a problem. I've come for some advice....We decided to buy two hens on Monday, Rhode Hybrids, they are gorgeous. When we got them they were in a shed with outdoor run. We have a proper hen house and to access it they need to climb the ladder to get in and out. When we got up today they were both still in the loft and hadn't come down the ladder to free range. We took the side off the coop and out the came. They just didn't seem to know how to go down the hole, and ladder and out of the coop. I appreciate it's only day one and they're young 18 weeks but will they get the hang of it? I've attached a photo of the type. Ladder access and the full side can be removed for cleaning. They were making a racket but hadn't investigated the ladder. Tonight at dusk they both sat outside our shed together, this is just like the shed they had been in. We had to manually put them away. Perhaps I am just over-thinking it and hope they will find their way eventually. Is there anything I am missing? Thanks Li

 

[Kessel23]

Not sure what this has to do with teething but yes your birds will figure out what's up sooner or later, should be using the ladder eventually.

 

[staceyj]

Not sure what this has to do with teething but yes your birds will figure out what's up sooner or later, should be using the ladder eventually.

Darn you auto correct!
I think that was supposed to be roosting problem.....

Maybe ?

 

[DobieLover]

You had me going with the teething chickens too. It certainly got my attention!
You can train them to use the ramp. I taught my 5.5 week old chicks how to use their ramp using a mealworm trail. They had it down in a day.

 

[staceyj]

You had me going with the teething chickens too. It certainly got my attention!
You can train them to use the ramp. I taught my 5.5 week old chicks how to use they're ramp using a mealworm trail. They had it down in a day.

That’s a great idea!
You could leave me a trail of york peppermint patties.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Chickens hate change and it takes them time to adjust to a new environment. They will figure things out. If at all possible I would get a third bird from the same source/group. That way when/if something happens to one of your birds, two will remain as company for one another.

 

[Lijong]

Ahh, that is a good idea. Apologies for the header, teething problem in the UK means starter problems. Lost in translation I guess Will try and use the worm trail. Thank you all x

 

[staceyj]

Ahh, that is a good idea. Apologies for the header, teething problem in the UK means starter problems. Lost in translation I guess Will try and use the worm trail. Thank you all x

Ahhhh! Thanks for telling us!
I love learning new expressions!
Apologies for the giggles!

 

[Lijong]

It is very common here. If you are having problems at the start of anything we call it "teething problems"

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/teething-problems

Lovely jubbly. Thanks for the help though. Much obliged to you all xx

 

[aart]

Apologies for the header, teething problem in the UK means starter problems.

I got it...once I read you were starting anew.
Not because I'm that familiar with British slang, tho I do love it,
but cause I know chickens don't have teeth !
Tho seeing the title on the list did have me wondering.