The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: zoe_emma on September 10, 2013, 05:56:50 pm

Title: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: zoe_emma on September 10, 2013, 05:56:50 pm: Are arriving on Saturday!
I only contacted the rescue last week, last time we had a wait of a few months before there was a reigning date in our area.

So now I have a problem. The woman said to keep them desperate to start with, but so they can see each other. During the day this is no prob as I can keep them in the big run- the others free range now.

I do need to think of a very quick and affordable solution for bed time tho.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: jaykay on September 10, 2013, 06:05:52 pm: Freecycle - shed, Wendy house, play house......
Title: Re: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: Steph Hen on September 10, 2013, 06:17:45 pm: How many hens?
Could you wait till dark and put them in a big cardbord box in a shed/garage/porch? My dog sleeps in an old wardrobe and doesn't mind. Do you have a Wood shed/wendy house? I have an old packing trunk that would sleep a couple of hens at a push. Its only for a couple weeks quarantine right?

Or just admit defeat; you're bound to end up with more chickens with ove time? :) I have no affiliation with the site below, and haven't seen their houses in the flesh, but bought food from them (which was fine) and saw these:

little house for £30:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIELD-HOUSE-SMALL-ANIMAL-HUT-SHELTER-BOX-RABBIT-GUINEA-PIG-POULTRY-CHICKEN-/321180333318?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item4ac7d6f506#ht_1543wt_721 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIELD-HOUSE-SMALL-ANIMAL-HUT-SHELTER-BOX-RABBIT-GUINEA-PIG-POULTRY-CHICKEN-/321180333318?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item4ac7d6f506#ht_1543wt_721)

little arc for £50:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOODEN-ARK-152x63x52cm-SMALL-ANIMAL-HUTCH-RUN-RABBIT-GUINEA-PIG-CHICKEN-POULTRY-/221252689405?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Small_Animals&hash=item3383b01dfd (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOODEN-ARK-152x63x52cm-SMALL-ANIMAL-HUTCH-RUN-RABBIT-GUINEA-PIG-CHICKEN-POULTRY-/221252689405?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Small_Animals&hash=item3383b01dfd)
Title: Re: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: JulieWall on September 10, 2013, 07:23:05 pm: ''The woman said to keep them desperate to start with,''

Love your typo, lol

If they are in a run any kind of wooden box will give them a bit of shelter, even an old cupboard. You could make something makeshift with fence panels or old doors maybe?
Title: Re: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: nic99 on September 10, 2013, 09:08:36 pm: I have growers sleeping in a wheelie bin laid on it's side. It is watertight and easy to clean. Perfect for temporary accommodation.
Title: Re: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: zoe_emma on September 10, 2013, 09:13:10 pm: Ha ha the typo is this silly kindle and its hyperactive auto correct.

Only six hens, I have three wooden tea chests that have seen better days, some straw in them and a way of shutting them in at night and I think we're sorted, two in each. It is only for a few weeks yes, so this arrangement should be fine.

Oh won't let me buy another coop. He thinks we have enough hens already. As if lol.
Wheelie bin is a fab idea ;D
Thanks everyone :)
Title: Re: very short notice rescue hens
Post by: Clansman on September 11, 2013, 10:03:54 am: Quote from: zoe_emma on September 10, 2013, 09:13:10 pm
Oh won't let me buy another coop. He thinks we have enough hens already. As if lol.

The solution to your problem is a divorce! ;D