[Kuikentje]

I brought my girls home two hours ago and following various advice, have put them in the coop, along with a feeder and drinker (because they won't be able to see them unless they come out of the coop so they won't know there's any food or water).

I have left the door and pop-hole open and tonight I will close them up, leaving the food & water inside so they won't dehydrate or starve.  Tomorrow I will put the feeder & drinker outside where they can be seen from the pop-hole and leave that open - once they know they have to come out to eat and drink I can move these to a better spot where I won't trip over them.

They are currently all huddled together in one corner of the coop.  I know it's a bit soon to expect them to be adventurous but how long does it usually take before they get brave?  One did pop her head out very briefly and as soon as she saw me she went back in.

What do I do now?

[Mrs Bee]

Just take a deep breath and relax me dear.

Just leave them to it.

Wait and watch and don't fret. If they are fit and healthy they will sort themselves out in their own good time.

If they are your first hens you are probably a bit nervous, but don't worry. Spend time watching them and their behaviour, it will give you many good laughs, and you will learn lots and feel more confident.

Chicken keeping is addictive

[Kuikentje]

I know,  I know.

I make really important decisions every day of my working life - I don't know why I feel so worked up about this!  Even my first go at keeping a dog or a horse wasn't as nerve-wracking!

I decided the perch was a bit high too.  So I've just leaned  in to lower it and while I was there I placed all the girls where they could see the feeder.  I can hear them all pecking away now so they must have been hungry.  This is the only night they will be getting supper in bed. 

[ANHBUC]

It is best to remove the feeder and drinker from the coop tonight.  They will only soil their food and water and they don't need to eat or drink during the night. 

Congratulations on joining the mad world of chicken keeping.   

[themagicaltoad1]

By tomorrow they will be full of curiosity and start to venture out. What and how many did you get?

[Kuikentje]

Panic over for now!  They are all out and scratching around happily!


Five Dutch Bantams.  I wanted something small so I could have a few - and this is the breed that has stolen my heart.