I collected some new chickens this week. (I know i have broken the rules, no photos yet).
Four light sussex 18 weeks old. They are fairly placid. They dont mind being handled (well so far any way) which is a good thing because im not designed for this running malarky.
The first evening, which was anticipated, they wouldnt go into the coop, even with the light on. Two of them were happy to go in and out but one of them was really getting quite anxious and almost wimpering which was unsettling the other three.
After 20 minutes I picked her up and calmed her down for a few minutes and then placed her in the coop where the other three shot in after her quickly.
The next morning i opened the door expecting them to leap out, but they stayed in the coop pretty much all day. They came out to poop, eat and drink then dash back in. 15 minutes before bedtime is when they come out and do their main eating and drinking and then settle in for the night. Its was the same the next day as well.
They are now spending a little more time outside and they do come out in the morning and when i go to the gate and call them they come over (the power of corn).
They seem really timid outdoors, I wonder if they have been shed raised and are not used to being outdoors. They'll soon settle down and they are getting better day by day.
Other than that they are good clean healthy birds.
I really like light sussex and have wanted some for a while. I know there common but i just like them. They are also lot easier to see in the garden as all of my fences are really dark and seeing the black rocks was somewhat of a challenge.
Photos will follow at some point, if they stay out long enough for me to get some.