crazygal Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Excuse me if the above question is really daft (but I only got my chickens today!), so they all went into their elgu when it got dark, so I've shut the door, so obviously they now don't have access to their food and drink. So presumably they can go 12 or so hours without food or drink quite happily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 It depends on the time of year. They go to roost at nightfall and get up at daybreak, so in the winter they can be without food from 5pm till 7am. In the summer It will be very different. They won't starve overnight if that is what is worrying you. If their crops are full by the late afternoon they will be fine. Welcome to the forum by the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all beginners once and relied on the advice of more experienced hen keepers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harveypup Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Yes I too worried about this but they will be fine, They fill their crops (food pouches) throughout the day and this will gradually empty overnight. When they come out in the morning they will invariably (sp) rush out to the grub and glug. Happy chicken keeping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 (edited) i worried about that too. During the shortest days, when ours went to bed at about 3.45pm ish (of their own accord, because it was dark) and we let them out at about 7.45am ish (16 hours), they were fine. They use the food stored in their crops too see them thru the night. Edited January 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 thanks for the reassurance! Honestly it feels like I'm a new Mum again!! (in a nice way). Everytime I saw one of them venture down the run today I had a massive grin on my face Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Everytime I saw one of them venture down the run today I had a massive grin on my face i still grin after 3 months! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rona Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 They are fab aren't they. and you will find you become an old clucky hen yourself worrying over them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 Too right! and wow your chickens names are very classy- love 'em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I bought mine a bag of spinach tonight as I feel so guilty having to leave them in the run during the day. You'll soon be as mad as the rest of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Don't wish that on her Janty!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 No question is deemed daft on here! Hope you're enjoying your girls - they're great fun aren't they? (And it gets even better when the days are longer .) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Everytime I saw one of them venture down the run today I had a massive grin on my face i still grin after 3 months! I've had my girls for nearly 3 years and they still fill every day with happiness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 . You'll soon be as mad as the rest of us. I think I already am!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henny penny Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Hi crazygal, Congrats on getting your chickens. I get mine tomorrow. We are also based in Hampshire. I'm very excited and also nervous. Did Omelet come and help you set up- if so were they helpful?. I have read how everyone becomes besotted with there chickens- You must post some photos _ when the weather is better. I'm off to Scats to see if i can get some hemcore or similar and peruse the chicken section Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 Hi HennyPenny- Unfortunately I couldn't be here when Omlet arrived (they knew that), but they set it up for me where I asked, and after it was done they posted the information through my letterbox, and phoned me on my mobile to tell me they had come. He also very kindly gave me a bit of info on the chickens- which one was likely to start laying first etc. QUite brilliant really- I arrived home to find all 3 chickens happily eating and drinking and wandering around their run!! Once I work out how to get my photos on the internet from my camera I will post some that's for sure! I'm also getting some hemcore at the weekend to put in their run because of all this rain. Where's Scats? I've not heard of it. Good luck tomorrow!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henny penny Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Hi Crazygal Scats are often on retail parks They sell stuff for horses, cats, dogs etc Farming and outdoor garden stuff. I think there are stores in or near Salisbury, Romsey, Lymington,Winchester and Basingstoke. They have a website if you want to look. I just put in Scats in the search section. have yours been out into their run today? or is it too wet for them? What type of hens did you get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 Yep they've all ventured out- its just light drizzle here at the moment, and a bit blustery. They don't seem to mind. I have fixed some bubble wrap over the top and down one side of the run so they can get to their food and drink without getting too wet. Hopefully it will stay- I've attached it on with clothes pegs. I've got 3 gingernut rangers. What are you getting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henny penny Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Hi I opted for a green eglu and one mrs pepperpot and two gingernuts. I'm just toying with idea of going to homebase for a shower curtain. depends on the price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I'm just toying with idea of going to homebase for a shower curtain. depends on the price! Get some bungee cords if you live anywhere windy. The shower curtain will end up in next door's garden otherwise . I bought a sheet of plastic from Dunelm Mill which works well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henny penny Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Hi crazygal Dont bother going to Scats for the hemcore or auboise-they didnt have any . Will have to go to the local horsey shop, tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 thanks for the info Hennypenny. there's a supplier near where my parents live which has some in stock so I've asked them to pick some up for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...