Questions for chicken owners...

npsmama

We're picking up our first 6 hens tomorrow. :j

We've got one of these carriers: http://www.petscorner.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=119,

would they destroy it if we transported them in it in the car?

It's a 1 hour journey.


thanks

shammyjack

Put three in each of 2 large cardbord boxes with plenty of air holes ( Banana boxes are good ) . Keeping them in the dark or semi dark means they remain calm and don't get stressed .

shammy

blackvelvetshoes

if it's dark enough they'll be fine as when it's dark they roost/cloak and are completely still,when it starts to go dusky in the evenings you'll find they automatically trot off to the coop to get on their roosting perches for the night.They should be fine Lucky you getting hens,I wish I had the space to have some again they are such great fun,and give fab eggs and compost for the garden, hope you enjoy them:)

looneyleo

We had six chickens for a few years but had to let them go while we renovate the garden. Can't wait to get some more when we're all done. Great fun and great characters and there really is nothing like fresh eggs. Even the most expensive eggs in the supermarket don't come anywhere near. Anyway, boxes are fine and keep them covered up on the journey and don't put the radio on too loud...heavy metal not their thing!

When you get home, you need to actually put them in the coup where they will be roosting at night so they know where to go when dusk comes. Don't just let them out on to the garden, they won't have a clue where they are going. Ideally, picking them up later in the day so they go straight into the coup over night and let them out in the morning.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new brood!

npsmama

I think they're Rhode Island Reds...

How many eggs do you think 3 year old birds will lay per week?

Pink.

Hi npsmama,

I've merged this with your chicken questions thread from yesterday to keep all the replies together.

Good luck with your new hens.

Pink

Penelope_Penguin

Ours were still laying about 5 a week at that age, but not at this time of year.

Are you sure they're Rhode Island Red? Might they be RIR, Light Sussex cross? If so, they'll be great layers.

Penny. x

pigpen

Goshj I am so jealous.. I REALLY want chickens but hubby won't let us..

ViksB

When you pick up the hens as the op says put 2 in a large cardboard box with LOTS of holes and wire netting over the top. DO NOT crowd them. Hens are very suspetiable to heat stress and can over heat quickly, although in this weather they should be fine.
When you get them home,put them straight in the hen house with some water and keep them shut up until the next morning or you will never get them back in again.
The hens if they have just started laying should lay 1 a day each, but if they are older then the will be suffering from the winter drop off and you are more likely to get 1-2 eggs a week per hen.
Hope this helps.
Viks

npsmama

Introducing my girls!

Churchmouse

npsmama, they are beautiful!!! Wishing you much joy of them. Although I'm afraid none of them quite match my namesake, Mouse, for elegance and beauty. :rotfl: :rotfl: ( she lodges with Penelope Penguin) but then again she is totally exceptional, ask PenPen:rolleyes: