Lorax Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 When I pick up my chickens (and how do you bring them home?) what should I expect in the first few days? Am I correct in thinking I should keep them in their run for the first week? I'm getting the hen house ( ) well in advance of the chooks. What can I get ready so that I hit the ground running? Please talk to me like the idiot I am (I do have books, but I don't learn from books). Thank you and sorry for all these Qs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 You need to bring them home in a cat carrier, or cardboard box with ventilation holes. The advice is to confine them to their run for 5 days to a week, to fix the idea of 'home' in their minds. Check the FAQ for info about what you will need. **here**. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopetofinish Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I had my chickens for 3 days now, and I think getting prepared before your chooks arrive is excellent. I brought mine home in a dog crate with a blanket over them. The wir and eglu were all prepared so just opened the door and waited for them to stroll out. That night they were getting anxious as it was getting dark and 3 out of 4 roosted on the branches in the run. The 4th one was real smart and was to be found sitting pretty in the eglu! I waited until just about dark and then gently lifted the other girls up and placed them in the house. No problems. Last night all 4 girls put themselves to bed, and came out of the house this morning like they had been doing it for weeks. I have been in the run to poo pick but apart from throwing them a little corn have left them alone to settle in. On the weekend I intend to let them FR, but will probably wait until early evening when I hope they have read the book and return to the coop at dusk Sure all will be fine for you. The fact that you are thinking about it means your going to be great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Egluntyne's answer says it all really. It might be an idea to put them into the cube first and then open the door to let them into the run. You may need to show them where to go to bed the first few nights but then they get the hang of it. You may also need to show them how the superglug works. You can fit two hens into a normal sized cat carrier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 I wouldn't fr them in the early evening just in case they don't return to the you'll be running round in the dark trying to catch them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
