Just Bought Some Property and Surprise! We Got Chickens!

[CoopBoots]

Congratulations and welcome! Gosh, that WOULD be a huge surprise!

Just for now I'd focus on food, water, and how their coop closes up/latches at night for predator protection. They should go in themselves around sunset, and I imagine they'll show you their routine a bit.

Any pictures? We might be able to help ID roosters and if you have any purebreds!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us!

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Glad you joined

 

[trippingpara]

Thank you for the warm welcome!

 

[trippingpara]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

You would think that the transfer of the flock would have been clearly written into the purchase contract.

I would make sure you are stocked up on oyster shell and a good quality all flock type of feed shooting for 18-20% protein. If you have any specific questions, fire away.

We were under the impression that the flock was relocating with the previous owners. But apparently, they opted not to take them (along with a lot of trash around the property) - grrrr!

We are using feed in the 18-20% protein range. But what is the oyster shell for? Sorry if that is a stupid question, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of more of those for ya!

 

[DobieLover]

But what is the oyster shell for? Sorry if that is a stupid question, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of more of those for ya!

There are no stupid questions...

When feeding an all flock type of feed, it offers the optimal level of calcium for any chicken. Layers need more calcium to form the shell on their eggs when actively laying. When they are not laying, they should not be eating excess calcium. Nor should any male or chicks or pre-POL (point of lay) pullets.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck with your 'instant' flock.

 

[Tookie]

Hello, welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you, we're so glad to have you here. Good luck with your flock!

 

[tlcmurphy]

Welcome to BYC, that must have been quite a shock!
We’d love to see pics when you have a chance

 

[FunClucks]

Not sure what your property looks like, but make sure they also have appropriate sources of grit. you can buy Chicken Grit in a bag, or if you have rocky areas or gravel roads, they may already have a decent source. If you have raccoons, they can open slide bolts. Most folks will put hasp type closures on and lock with carabiners to foil the raccoons. Definitely post pics of your setup inside and out, and some closeups on transition areas (bottoms of fencing, doors and locks, windows, any potential gaps, roofline and eaves). Do you have (or did they have and take with them) a hotwire system/electric fencing, or did they have (or you have) dogs? If dogs and/or hotwire were present and now are not, you'll need to protect against predators that they may have previously kept away. You should have a bit of time before predators figure out they have better access, so now's the time to secure things.

Enjoy your new property and new flock!!!