cavysqueak Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 We are expecting to adopt three ex-battery hens from BHWT next Sunday. We've just recieved the confirmation information via email which states that you can't collect the hens in seperate boxes. I'm confused ... when I spoke to the lady on the central phone line she just said about cardboard boxes or cat carriers, which the infomation also states. If you are only allowed a minimum of three hens and they have to all be in together, how do they fit into a cat carrier?!?!? Because of the initial information we'd enlisted the help of my in-laws to come along so we had a driver and one person to hold each of the three boxes on the journey home. Am I now going to need one large box to put them all in instead? I'm a bit annoyed as I do feel that with only one week to go this is too late to be getting this information. OK, I do like to be organised ahead of time .... OK, so I'm pedantic about being organised ahead of time, but now I have to tell my in-laws they are not needed (we only have a small car, so a big box will need the back seats down). They were really pleased to be coming along as they've had lots of stress lately ... so now I have to let them down and say they can't come. Anyway - to my question ... what have you carried your ex-battery girls home in / what would you recommend? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 There are lots of people on here who have rescued ex batts and I am sure will be able to help. I have only bought point of lay birds...but two easily fitted in a small cat carrier. I would imagine 3 would fit in a slightly larger one. Don't know if that gives you an idea of size Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 my three fit in a large cat carrier - they were snug but fine. enjoy your girls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 We transport the girls in a carboard box, with Aubiose in the bottom. We've had 2 POL hens in the box on our lap, im sure 3 will be fine as long as your have the air con on in the car to keep them cool. Having them in the same box together will help them get used to eachother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavysqueak Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 Thanks for the replies so far. I've added this general enquiry into my confirmation email, so I'll hopefully find out what I need to do soon. Errrm ... I did say I have a small car ... what's air con?!?!!? Only the basics for me I'm afraid. We only have a radio / cassette player as our music system! I think we've spent more money on chicken houses / feed / items than on our car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Millies Chicken Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 When I collected my 3 hens from BHWT early this year I too was unsure what size carboard box to use. I contacted the organiser about the best size box. She said it was ok to put them all in one box and to allow the size of one football per bird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavysqueak Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 I've had a really quick reply from the volunteer at BHWT. The girls will need to be in one large box. Back one step in the planning then! At least I know for definate now. We set up the Eglu today, so its all becoming very real. This time next week we'll have 7 hens in total. I think this hobby is becoming a bit of an obsession! Thank you for your replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 I collected my girls on Saturday and took 2 normal/large cat carriers a small cat carrier and a cardboard box. The BHWT lady suggested I put 3 in each of the larger cat carriers. She then pointed out to me that that was how much space they had been living in. Bought it home really. Glad you are getting some girls. I love mine to bits already. They have learned so much in a small space of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...