The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Bobby on June 18, 2009, 06:36:56 pm

Title: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: Bobby on June 18, 2009, 06:36:56 pm
Hello Everyone

Our chickens arrived yesterday - 4 warren hens - they seem a bit nervous, but are eating well and drinking lots .They are 16 weeks old.  We are feeding them layers pellets and they have scrouted around the garden and have been eating slugs, bits of cabbage etc.  Any hints or tips would be really welcome.. I keep checking on them in case something has happened!
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: jameslindsay on June 18, 2009, 06:43:29 pm
Bobby - just relax and enjoy. They will settle in very quick indeed and you will have many happy hours watching and enjoying their antics. I find the noise they make very therapeutic. :chook: I think we are all the same however when we get new animals, we are very protective and on edge for a while.
Title: Re: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: Bobby on June 18, 2009, 06:49:02 pm
Thanks James.  I it normal for them to pech at themselves now and then
Title: Re: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: jameslindsay on June 18, 2009, 06:52:27 pm
They will just be getting bits of food or dirt etc off themselves, honestly relax they will be fine. I am very new to hen keeping myself, always had ducks but they are addictive. Now have 7 hens and 12 ducks now.
Title: Re: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: JD on June 18, 2009, 08:24:17 pm
Hi Bobby, I have had my 4 warrens for nearly 4 weeks and what James says is exactly correct.  I found reading all the poultry back pages a big help as are the other TAS members. I am really enjoying the learning process and I think you will too. Good luck.
JD
Title: Re: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: Bobby on June 18, 2009, 08:31:23 pm
Thanks both - it is all a bit nerve racking - I have been browsing through the posts on here - what a great forum
Title: Re: Just starting out with chickens
Post by: Bobby on June 19, 2009, 09:19:35 pm
Had a great day toda- the chickens are making themselves at home, eating from our hands, pecking our laces - feeling much calmer with them today- thanks