hej Posted September 17, 2010 Share Posted September 17, 2010 We were planning to get chickens next spring. The local school which is on our road a couple of minutes walk away has asked for suggestions for its new playground and i wondered whether it would be feasible to suggest the school had chickens which we could support the school looking after in the week and which we would take up the road to look after in our eglu at the weekends and for holidays (where they could free range in the garden). Would it be cruel to move them between two homes and do they mind being carried about. Clearly we would not want to do this if it was going to make them unhappy. Would welcome any advice. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 17, 2010 Share Posted September 17, 2010 From what I have read I believe hens would prefer to stay in one place. Too much moving about upsets their laying. Would you be able to access the school grounds at weekends and during the holidays instead rather than taking them to your house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 17, 2010 Share Posted September 17, 2010 I have chickens in my garden and some in a field, I regularly swap chickens between pens I think if both situations are familiar to them they should be fine, it will take a while for them to get used to it but they are pretty adaptable In general chickens dont like being moved and they like routine however if its only two locations and you keep the same routine of letting them out at the same time etc.. they will get used to it Of course a lot depends on the temprement of the chickens too! mine are used to being moved and dont bat an eyelid but maybe I am lucky! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 My three Pekins live down at a local school during term time, and come back to me during the hols. They are perfectly happy, and are a very popular addition to the school. I help run the 'chicken project' with one of the teachers, and the children take it in turns to care for them, a class per week. Massively successful. Go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 Our girls spend the vast majority of their time here. However they have a separate coop and run at my Dad's so if we are away, or spending Christmas with him, the girls can stay there. At first they were a little confused by it but they do recognise the layout now if they go to my Dad's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 I've just bought mine a holiday villa at my mum's in Kent. I go and collect it in the morning. (I think I'll probably keep the and take the to Kent instead.) Welcome to Boklin's Holiday Camp. Catchy eh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hej Posted September 18, 2010 Author Share Posted September 18, 2010 Thanks so much for all your helpful replies, I really appreciate you all taking the time. Perhaps a balance of not moving them every weekend (if we could have access to the school grounds) but taking them home for the holidays might be best for not unsettling them too much. Can't wait until next Spring when I'll practise looking after them myself before offering any "expertise " to the school!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
