Scooby Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Just trying to be as organised as I can ready to pick up our 4 ex batt girlies at the end of the month. As we're in a black spot regarding rescues and co-ordinators we've got to drive to Haslingden from Teesside to get our girlies. Already got two pet carriers so two hens in each, but what I'm worried about is the fact that it's going to take us about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to get home. We were thinking about stopping off half way home to see if they would eat and drink - do we need to do this? Or will it be worse to disturb them? I'm already worried about them and they're not even here yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 You could pop some 'wet' treats in the carriers with them, if you are concerned, ie, cucumber or grapes. The chances are they will settle down very quickly once they are in the carriers and sleep the whole way home. I recently took delivery of 2 new girls, who had a 2 hour journey to get to mine, and they were fine in a cardboard box, with no food or drink for the journey. as long as you have food and drink in the run, ready for them when you get back, I'm sure they'll be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 They don't eat or drink overnight so I wouldn't make a stop unless it's a really hot day. They go to sleep when you put them in a dark box, just make sure they have enough ventilation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bondinho Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I just threw some corn and pellets in for my bunch when I picked them and brought them home - about 2 and a half hours drive. They were absolutely fine when we got home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 When I brought my second lot of 4 hens home it was a journey of over two hours. They were unscathed by the experience. They go into roost mode and snooze for most of the journey. TBH I wouldn't disturb them if I were you. Just get them into their new residence asap. I wouldn't fancy a nervous and disorientated hen flapping about in the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted March 4, 2008 Author Share Posted March 4, 2008 I wouldn't fancy a nervous and disorientated hen flapping about in the car. That's a good point actually. I had it in mind that upon opening the carriers, the little darlings would sit very quietly and patiently whilst we tried to pour mash and water down their throats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 If you make sure it's not too hot in the car and maybe have a window open for some ventilation, then make sure the carriers are covered so it's dark although not covered so they can't get fresh air then they'll just roost. Our journey was nearly 2 hours so not quite as long but they were fine. Then enjoy pampering them - I have to say ours didn't recognise "treats" and it was over a week before they realised that when everyone else was legging it for the back door when I came out then they were missing out! They soon get the hang of it though! Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 My first two Omlet hens arrived on the hottest day of the year. The van got to me at 5pm, and had been on the road since first thing that morning. The young hens were perfectly fine, and presumably had no food or water all day. They just sleep when put in a dark box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...