FAQs and Care Advice for Keeping Chickens
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FAQ
HOW DO I INTRODUCE MY NEW BIRD/S?
We find that introducing new hens to existing flocks can be tricky. We advise never introducing 1 bird on their own to a new environment, they are flock animals by nature and happier in pairs especially of their own breed. It is best to introduce 2 birds together, wait until the dead of night and your existing birds are sleeping, then place your new hens in with them. Open the run in the morning to allow the birds plenty of space to get away if they need to. There will always be some hen pecking as the new pecking order is established but we have found this method works the best. You can also add a second feed and water supply for the first few days as this will be an area of territorial ground the existing flock will try to protect.
MY NEW BIRDS AREN’T BEING ACCEPTED, WHAT CAN I DO?
If the birds are still pecking and bullying after 5 days you may need to make some changes to the pecking order, this happens very occasionally and is usually down to one bully bird.
Isolate the bully bird or birds for a while let the other birds re-establish a new pecking order then re-introduce the bully bird/s (method as above), once this has happened. This will change the dynamics of the group and the bully bird will then have to settle into the flock as if it were new. If this still doesn’t work and there is continued bullying, then you may have to separate permanently.
CAN MY BIRD FLY?
Most breeds of chicken can fly although not very well, however the list below are flightless birds, but they can still jump pretty high, you will need a minimum of a 3ft fence.
Silkies
Any Frizzle Feather Bird (incl Pekin and Polish Frizzles)
Cochin
HOW DO I STOP MY BIRD FROM FLYING?
A simple and easy way is to trim the primary feathers from one wing only, you can do this using sharp scissors and simply cut the tips off the first 4-6 primary feathers. Don’t cut too deep as you may make the bird bleed.
WHAT TREATS CAN I GIVE MY PET CHICKENS?
We are always being asked what treats can I give my chickens? Here are our top treats for not only yumminess but also health!
Soft bananas, great source of vit B12!
Berries,
Water melon,
Finely chopped herbs-oregano and parsley are great for boosting immune systems.
Mealworms, you can get these dried in most pet stores, they just love them!! Great for protein!
Finely chopped kale, cabbage greens and chard again amazing for an immune boost!!
A few cloves of garlic and fresh ginger in their water once a week is a great natural wormer and immune system booster. Don’t leave them in the water for more than 2 days though!
SEEDS they love seeds and they are very good for them, sunflower hearts, sesame seeds and pumpkin are the best.
Corn is great fresh on the cob hanging in their run they will love pecking at the kernels which also works as a boredom buster, or bought dried corn is another great treat.
Avoid -general kitchen scraps though as this can get stuck in crops!
Happy treating, remember that treats are not a meal substitute so little and often is best and don’t overdo it or they can get runny poohs!