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[pumpkinandfriends]

We recently became the proud owners of four very happy hens but we are moving to Scotland(from Suffolk) in the Sping/Summer and I am wondering whether to take the hens with us or if it would be kinder to rehome with someone nearer. We have three young children who are naturally very attached to their new hens and so we would love to take them but it would involve a journey of approx 8hours. I wouldn't want to do anything that would cause the hens undue stress! Any advice please!

[Redwing]

They will be fine to travel that distance, I transport chooks on long journeys frequently with no problems

 

If you will complete the journey in a day then put the chooks in a cardboard box with lots of airholes and leave them in the box for the whole journey - they will be fine without water for that time, a little corn that has been soaked in water for a few hours can be dropped through the top of the box at rest stops if need be but dont open the box completely in a service station! putting them in a darkish box causes the least stress to them.

 

If you have an overnight stop then put them in cat carriers so that you can hang a cup of water on the door when you stop overnight so they can drink and pop a bit of food on the floor of the carrier for them

 

A few things to remember:

 

If your car has an alarm then face cat carriers away from any movement sensors!

Dont put boxes of chooks in the boot of a saloon, the backseat or in footwells is good,the back of a hatchback is ok but take out the parcel shelf completely or remove it from its holder and offset it so there is about six inches of room for light and air

Make sure there is plenty of room around boxes for airflow

Dont have the heater on very warm - I nearly killed two cockerels by doing this wear an extra jumper and keep the car cool, alternatively if there is no one in the back then put your heater on your feet to keep you warm and travel with the back windows open a bit When you stop for a rest open the hatchback or back doors to allow fresh air in

If giving water to chooks in the dark leave a door open for a few mins so the internal light is on - dont expect them to be able to see to drink in the dark!

 

the best ventilation for cardboard boxes is to make cuts on the corners as this allows for airflow and keeps the rigidity of the box intact - using a sharp serated knife place the knife blade against the corner of the box about three inches from the top and cut inwards so you are cutting two sides of the box, make another cut about an inch and a half down from the first and poke the cardboard inwards, do this on all four corners and that will provide enough ventilation and also some useful carrying points!

 

 

All the best with the move!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Wow, what comprehensive advice .

 

Welcome to the forum, Pumpkinandfriends . Whereabouts in Scotland are you moving to?

[pumpkinandfriends]

Many thanks for the super advice. Am loving having hens and now I know what great hen experts are online I shall be asking lots of questions!! Will let you know how the move goes (hopefully now with hens!) Thanks

[yankeecelt]

If you were worried about chickens in 'cold dark' Scotland (rather than the mechanics of a move), I can tell you my three are thriving in the Highlands, coped with the snow etc over the last few weeks by laying MORE eggs (we were giving them lots of warm mash to help them thaw out every morning), and are about to be let out for the usual Saturday destroying of the garden.

[pumpkinandfriends]

If you were worried about chickens in 'cold dark' Scotland (rather than the mechanics of a move), I can tell you my three are thriving in the Highlands, coped with the snow etc over the last few weeks by laying MORE eggs (we were giving them lots of warm mash to help them thaw out every morning), and are about to be let out for the usual Saturday destroying of the garden.

Thanks am sure the chickens will be fine (not sure about us though- Scottish born and bred but after fifteen years away form Scotland I think we may have turned into southern softies! Still looking forward to it! Our four lovely hens are all laying now (the cold weather here didn't seem to bother them at all) and yes they destroy our garden too on a regular basis but I can't believe how lovely it is to see them happily pecking and mobbing me as soon as they see me!

How to you prepare your warm mash (sorry am very new to this chicken keeping lark).

Our only worry now is that we may rent a house at first and may not be able to accomodate the chickens (am trying to persuade my parents that they really would love to chicken sit for a few months until we buy a place). I can't believe I am more worried about the chickens move than the children who are already making lists of Scottish activities eg bagpipes and Highland dancing!

Loving the blogs next will try some photos!

[daxigirl]

Mine do 3 hours happily when we go to Kent from Southampton.