- Nov 12, 2011
- 32
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I got three hens 4 days ago. They had been abandoned for approximately 2 mos. long story. I know that it's getting colder and darker and they've been stressed out beyond belief. One of them has already flown the coop...and the yard. I saw her yesterday and threw some scratch down, but she wouldn't come back over the fence. The other two are pretty sweet, a tad flighty, but not bad. don't really want to be touched, startle occasionally, but it has been terribly windy the past 3 days.
I'm trying to go out to them about the same time each morning to feed them and talk to them. My 7 yr old son and I go out to them during them day and before dark, just to check on them, let them out for a while. They usually go back in on their own.
My main question is when is it realistic to start expecting them to lay? I've kinda told myself and others I talk to that if I get any eggs before January, I'll happily surprised. Is that about right or should I expect them to settle down before then?
Also as far as their personalities go, do you think I should expect much, if any change, relaxing, etc? I mean I use to work as a vet tech for a small animal practice. I know that I need to (and want to) get my hands on these birds. I think it's a good idea to clip their wings and I just like to know my animals. I've always known every freckle on my dogs or cats, for that matter, my kid. LOL Seriously, though, I feel like I need to be able to inspect them to know when something is wrong. I need to have a baseline to compare.
Thanks for any suggestions.
I'm trying to go out to them about the same time each morning to feed them and talk to them. My 7 yr old son and I go out to them during them day and before dark, just to check on them, let them out for a while. They usually go back in on their own.
My main question is when is it realistic to start expecting them to lay? I've kinda told myself and others I talk to that if I get any eggs before January, I'll happily surprised. Is that about right or should I expect them to settle down before then?
Also as far as their personalities go, do you think I should expect much, if any change, relaxing, etc? I mean I use to work as a vet tech for a small animal practice. I know that I need to (and want to) get my hands on these birds. I think it's a good idea to clip their wings and I just like to know my animals. I've always known every freckle on my dogs or cats, for that matter, my kid. LOL Seriously, though, I feel like I need to be able to inspect them to know when something is wrong. I need to have a baseline to compare.
Thanks for any suggestions.