So after a couple of years of following this group and reading
Storey's book, I decided I had to go and do it, so made it over to the
local feed store on the day they expected their new shipment of
chicks, and heck, it's a good thing I went in early. There's been a
big interest in chickens around here lately, I think people are
starting to get nervous about their food supply. I got to the store 5
minutes after they opened and there already was about 10 people
gathered around the chick bins with people already walking out the
door with boxes of the little peepers. Anyway, I had decided I wanted
Rhode Island Reds as I was interested in the good dual purpose bird
that had good brown eggs and also good for the barbie and the store
people told me they expected some Reds in. So got me 25 of the little
buggers. Had a stock tank setup with waterer, feeder, bedding and
heatlamp so I was already to go. Storey said to introduce them to the
water when you get them home. It was cold and rainy and they were
obviously a bit chilled from the ride home and they all huddled under
the heat lamp for awhile. I picked them up one at a time and showed
them the water and feed and most drank when introduced to the water.
After awhile the tank warmed up and they started to get more active.
Now they're all running around and eating and drinking and making a
hell of a racket. I guess I need to get out and finish the coop, eh?
So is it good to handle them as much as possible to get them
socialized to you? Do they bond with people if you are around them
enough?