They're here! Pics added!!

[JodyJo]

they are adjusting...and I would say let them on the ground! They will love it....they are old enough for certain, even day olds can peck around on the ground...they are beautiful girls!

 

[WillowISA]

Ok. I guess I was worried about coccidia and them not being able to digest the grass yet. Is there anything special I need to do? They are on medicated chick feed and I have adult grit...can I smash that a little smaller instead of getting the chick grit? Do they need it for pecking on grass/dirt? I'm so worried about them lol.

 

[JodyJo]

They will ingest the small gravel on the ground, the grit you have is fine, you can smash it up if you like, but they will do ok with what they find actually.

If you got them from a hatchery, they were vaccinated, and should be fine in this area also.

They are plenty old enough to forage and they will love getting their feet dirty and finding some soft ground to take a dust bath etc...

keep taking pics and updating, we all love to see our girls enjoying life!

** try putting some of their food on the ground so they can scratch around and find it...they will love it!

 

[WillowISA]

They were from a local breeder who raises organically so no vaccines or worming. He keeps them on the medicated food until 18 weeks and has never had an issue. I work for an exotic vet and will take poo in on Wednesday to make sure they're clean. If not, they'll be wormed

We let them have access to the run. They flew down into it, pecked for a few moments, then went back into the coop and nesting box to sleep lol.

The area they are on is mostly dirt and a little grass/weeds. As they get older they'll have more grass access. Do I need to give them the grit because they're on dirt then? What if I want to give them a treat or two?

 

[JodyJo]

If they have access to dirt and gravel, they will eat what they need...you can give them treats...if you have any qualms, go ahead and give them grit...but they should be just fine with out it also...

 

[WillowISA]

I just gave them some cut up blueberries and they ran from it into the run and are pecking around

Maybe they'll try them later? They are pecking the dirt, so I'll see what they do over the next few days on whether or not I give them grit. If they eat too much grit can it impact them? Or do they know when to stop?

 

[JodyJo]

Mine weren't sure on treats either at first...but once they figured it out, they run to me now...

I don't think they can eat too much, they know when to stop....

try hand feeding it to them also, helps with bonding...mine love cut up grapes the most...

 

[WillowISA]

Well they are very bonded to each other. If you take one away the other tries everything to get to her. They are in the run again and we put some baby food on the ground for them to peck around and get. Right now they're taking a nap under the ramp part of the hutch/run. I'll try to get more pictures today

Meanwhile, there's a broody black polish hen at the farm my mom works that is in a cat carrier to protect her and her eggs. She still seems fat and sassy, but not active. I got her to eat a strawberry yesterday and her water's been dirty so she's drinking. She been on the eggs for almost 2 weeks now I think. Last night I heard "clicking" sounds from inside - is that the eggs? Anything we need to know for her as well? She's a free range hen on 40 acres with active foxes who got her sister when she went broody

 

[JodyJo]

great for your girls...the broody one? Hmm, I have not done that yet...if you heard clinking, I am assuming as you are, that the eggs are coming to term...it takes 21 days to hatch...so if it has been 2 weeks, there is still a week to go...just keep her safe and provide her with food and water...and get the camera ready! Maybe someone else has a different answer for you, but I don't think there is a lot to do for them at this point. You can ask on the other thread about incubating and hatching eggs if you have any real concerns...