[Tigerwren]

Thanks for the heads up on the meal worms CQ!  Will bear in mind!! I have the mixed corn for everyday use and the meal worms for the boys to get used to hand feeding the chooks!

[orchardlady]

Just a comment about hand feeding. I of course don't know how old your boys are but have a little practice before the birds arrive. Get your sons to hold their hand as if they have some corn in it. Now peck with your hand quite hard over and over again so it sort of hurts almost pinching the palms of their hands. Reassure your boys that the hens won't hurt hurt them but it feels quite rough the way the hens peck. Then they won't be panicked (the boys that is) when you come to the real thing.

I do this when I have small visitors and it really helps them to understand that the hen is not trying to bite them but is going for the corn.

[Tigerwren]

Thank you for that OL!  We will practise that over the next few days!! My sons are 5 and 3 and cannot wait to pick the chickens up tomorrow!  They watch a lot of wildlife programmes and are not often fazed, but it might well be different if they aren't expecting the pinch!! Will keep you posted.  Tomorrow's the day

[bantam novice]

Good luck, Tigerwren   
Post some pics when you can!

[orchardlady]

Also remember that this is all new and rather daunting for your new hens, just like the first few days at school. You new girls may well be very shy and skittish so remind the boys no shouting or flapping around near the girls. Let them spend plenty of time near the birds being calm and speaking quietly to them and the hens will soon learn that there is nothing to be afraid of.

One of my dogs came to me when she was 6 moths old and was so timid because she had been kept outside in kennels with her mum. The first day she was here I started to make a Spaghetti Bolognese and the sound of the onions going into the hot oil made she shoot out of the back door in a panic. Now she is settled and knows the house and us I can crash about with pots and pans to my hearts content. It's the same for you new ladies, give them plenty of time and patience and the boys and you will be rewarded with lovely tame pets.

[CluckyChicken]

so hows it going?  which ones did you go for in the end?  Pics please!!

CC xx