How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: New "Rescued" Hens

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: New "Rescued" Hens

You'll have to keep those cage chickens quite closely confined to start, then very gradually let them get further away from "home". If you chase them in every night, they'll learn it. Young ones learn in about a short week, but your older ones will take longer. In fact they may never learn.

For carrying water, a plastic milk jug works well, or anything similar. I use heavy china dog and cat dishes in the summer, they don't tip over so fast. The birds like to perch on the edges at night if they can (and make a mess you have to rinse out next day).

For winter, the black rubber ones work very well, especially once they freeze down and stay put. Or you can set a smaller one inside a somewhat larger one----maybe an inch space around the outside. Helps keep them from tipping it over.

Hope this helps a little.

Diane S.

----- Original Message -----

From: LUCKEDRA@AOL.COM

To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 11:52 AM

Subject: [CHICKENS-101] Re: New "Rescued" Hens

All, real interesting situation. I "donated" to a rescue org and in turn I ended up with 8 white, very small, laying hens. These hens I come to find out were from a egg production farm. The story I got was that after two years, these companies send the chickens on to slaughter to be sold for the meat. I never knew they did that. Supposedly because they don't do so much laying after the two years. I guess this group believes that to be wrong.

Here's the situation: These hens have been quarantined for two months. Had never been out of a small cage until they arrived at the rescue ranch. Because of that they do not have any idea about where to lay, where to sleep, etc. They just walk around pooping eggs left and right on the ground. What ideas do you have to "train" these hens? Also training them to come into their "house" at night?

My current 3 pet chickens are let out to freely graze over our pastures every day and come home every night by themselves. They are free fed in their house.

I also picked up from these folks the sweetest - at the moment - rooster. He came with a metal band around one of his legs. Know anything as to why someone would band a rooster?

Also, need ideas about feeding and watering. Never had such a large flock and had to be concerned about recepticles for such. I had only a dog waterer - which worked beautifully for the three. I have to haul the water - there is no water where there house is located nor electricity and it is on a slope of a mountain.

Thanks in advance for all your ideas.

Ginger