We graduated to the coop!!!

[DramaBrahmaMama]

The long-awaited day arrived!!!! We moved the tiny pterodactyls to their new chalet yesterday!!!! They are just about 6 weeks old. Our weather has been cold, windy and wet. So, they have had no time outside, which is what I normally like to do before transitioning them into the coop. But none the less... It was time!!! So... Here's a few of the things that happened..... As you can see, we made the feeder and the waterer. I assume due to nerves, they immediately started eating. To the point that by the evening their crops were yuuuuuuuugeeee!! That freaked me out a little, because I had never seen them like that (I free fed crumble, but they had mash 3 times a day in the brooder). They are all empty by this morning. But it alarmed me just the same! They are having a hard time figuring out the waterer, so I have put their original waterer in the coop for the time being. We did add a platform under the hanging waterer so they can easily access it, they just can't seem to figure out how to fill the cups yet. I added a bit of electrolytes since it was quite the event for them. They initially seemed to be very excited... running, flying, jumping, and chest bumping each other. That all changed come bedtime. The brahmas, being the drama queens they are, started to freak out. It was all fun and games, but when it was time for bed, they wanted to go home to their brooder. I ended up leaving a light on for them all night. And probably will for a night or two more. I shut their heat lamp off about a week ago, to prepare them for the move. I have two hooked up in the coop, should I need. But, I doubt we will use them till next winter. Other than that... for the most part... They are settled. I had an anxious night, of course. Went out this morning to feed them and every one of them were milling about cheeping... Now, we get the run done this weekend so they can enjoy some outside time this week when it hits the high 70s!!!!

 

[sourland]

Nice looking birds - definitely time to be in the coop.

 

[Lor]

I'm sure everyone is happy to be in the coop.
Did you fill the water cups to entice them to drink? Might help them get used to it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You're going to need to train them to use the waterer. I don't have experience with cups but I imagine it'd be similar to nipple training. You can try smearing a bit of food on the toggle to encourage them to use it, or pick them up to "peck" the toggle with their beaks, or use your finger to show them how to do it while they're watching.

 

[DramaBrahmaMama]

You're going to need to train them to use the waterer. I don't have experience with cups but I imagine it'd be similar to nipple training. You can try smearing a bit of food on the toggle to encourage them to use it, or pick them up to "peck" the toggle with their beaks, or use your finger to show them how to do it while they're watching.

We're working on it... I keep tapping on it to get them over there to see what I'm doing. The Barred Rock are probably going to be the first to get it. It's the brahma's I'm the most worried about. They almost seem scared of it. But they are drama queens!!

 

[DramaBrahmaMama]

I'm sure everyone is happy to be in the coop.
Did you fill the water cups to entice them to drink? Might help them get used to it.

Yup, filled them several times. Went back and they were completely empty. I assume it'll take them some time to figure it out. I just hope sooner than later because they sure make a mess out of the other waterer.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

The long-awaited day arrived!!!! We moved the tiny pterodactyls to their new chalet yesterday!!!! They are just about 6 weeks old. Our weather has been cold, windy and wet. So, they have had no time outside, which is what I normally like to do before transitioning them into the coop. But none the less... It was time!!! So... Here's a few of the things that happened..... As you can see, we made the feeder and the waterer. I assume due to nerves, they immediately started eating. To the point that by the evening their crops were yuuuuuuuugeeee!! That freaked me out a little, because I had never seen them like that (I free fed crumble, but they had mash 3 times a day in the brooder). They are all empty by this morning. But it alarmed me just the same! They are having a hard time figuring out the waterer, so I have put their original waterer in the coop for the time being. We did add a platform under the hanging waterer so they can easily access it, they just can't seem to figure out how to fill the cups yet. I added a bit of electrolytes since it was quite the event for them. They initially seemed to be very excited... running, flying, jumping, and chest bumping each other. That all changed come bedtime. The brahmas, being the drama queens they are, started to freak out. It was all fun and games, but when it was time for bed, they wanted to go home to their brooder. I ended up leaving a light on for them all night. And probably will for a night or two more. I shut their heat lamp off about a week ago, to prepare them for the move. I have two hooked up in the coop, should I need. But, I doubt we will use them till next winter. Other than that... for the most part... They are settled. I had an anxious night, of course. Went out this morning to feed them and every one of them were milling about cheeping... Now, we get the run done this weekend so they can enjoy some outside time this week when it hits the high 70s!!!!

Having recently put my broods out I read this story figuratively on the edge of my seat. Phew, glad it all worked out. Wonder how everybody is doing now.

I chuckle when people write about their chicks being drama queens (especially the brahmas). I have four dark out in coop and a light arriving today or tomorrow; yipppee). Excited to see what kind of drama they will cook up with their queen selves. Also excited to see which of the straight run darks are cockarels. No crowing . . . YET!