Brand new shiny hens..At last!

[vixfinn]

At long last after a year of research, a few false starts and never ending nagging at "Himself" to finish the pallet/freebie coop. I have my 5 shiny new hens
A deadline and sad children work wonders!

Due to severe lack of funds I offered two "petless" friends the chance of being the proud Godparents/sponsers of 2 of the beauties and their future eggs. My little family got ourselves 3.. All Hybrids and all gorgeous of course.

They settled in straight away despite the trauma of being chased around a huge field by Madame Hall the Poultry lady. They went to bed as soon as it got dark (except for the little Goldline) who I suspect will be the friendliest little girl I ushered her furry bottom in gently and all is sweet in the coop.

Will post some pics Tomorrow, and I'm sure I will be seeking your advice endlessly. Sorry if I'm a bit overawed, I think I'm broody

[Suechooks]

How egg-citing for you! We all love to get new girls so we understand JUST how you feel! We need pictures now please! Have you named them?

[shirlthegirl43]

Congratulations

[Glutton4...]

YAY! Well done, and congratulations!

[vixfinn]

Looking for the attachment to get pics off phone but the house is a mess

They are called
"Ruby"- Goldline (little gold hen) sponsored by my friend.
"Elsie"-Silver link- Sponsored by other friend.
"Betty Sioux"- Cou Cou Maran- My eldest daughters
"Dolly"- Bluebell- Me and my youngest daughter
"Shania"- Rhode Rock??- Himself

Glad I'm in good company, promise I will find that phone cable!

[jessmorris]

Well done, I bet you are made up!
They will bring you endless pleasure and enjoyment I can promise you!
JM

[Flummery]

Lovely - I love hearing that someone else has fallen hard for chickens.

[vixfinn]

Thanks all. The girls have been settling in today and I'm getting to know certain characters. I think I've figured out the "top dog", the Rhode Rock, Shania. (She of 'Twain') She sorted out a brief squabble and sat on the top of the coop
I have now covered the extended bit of the run!
Ruby the little brown hen is the most friendly and confident, Betty, the Cou Cou Maran is the most shy.

What manner of garlic should I be giving them and do I need vinegar
Got feed, grit, poultry drink and smite!

Will put new thread with my badly taken pics up

[vixfinn]

Pics of new hens with rubbish camera!

Here we are, my shiny new hens..(Guess who needs a new camera for Christmas)
Meet Ruby, Elsie, Betty, Dolly and Shania.

Ruby the Goldline has got herself in just about every pic, either she's nosey or a show off.

[CaroltheCarrot]

How lovely they are.
Shall we start bets as to how long it is before you get some more

[Glutton4...]

They're lovely! Are you sitting in there with them yet, and letting them climb all over you?

[vixfinn]

No haven't sat with them yet, hoping to get a walk in run in the not too distant. I've been in there making adjustments to the ramshackle house and run and I'm trying to bribe them with raisins
Maybe just 1 more...in the spring

[lettucegrow!]

They are lovely! Get in and mingle, they will just be used to you being there and be happy to get close. Mine trail around after me as I clean. Quite amusing. Just a thought bur I really wouldn't be putting one hen in if you want more and any reputable seller would not sell one hen on it's own to put in with others . They need a friend, they are not very welcoming of newcomers into the established flock. I introduced two this year and just as they were settling I lost one of the newcomers . The one remaining new one is very much on her own and I know we humanise behaviour but i do feel sorry for her.

[Suechooks]

They are lovely! Get in and mingle, they will just be used to you being there and be happy to get close. Mine trail around after me as I clean. Quite amusing. Just a thought bur I really wouldn't be putting one hen in if you want more and any reputable seller would not sell one hen on it's own to put in with others . They need a friend, they are not very welcoming of newcomers into the established flock. I introduced two this year and just as they were settling I lost one of the newcomers . The one remaining new one is very much on her own and I know we humanise behaviour but i do feel sorry for her.

Best get THREE then next time!

[Suechooks]

Either Garlic powder (horsey places sell it) or crush a clove and drop it in the water occasionally.
Its Apple cider vinegar you need - again from horsey places and you give approx 10ml per litre of water. I give it for about a week and then 3 or 4 weeks without.