How long?

[Denim Deb]

For those that read my journal, you know that something killed one of my hens overnight. The other is in a metal dog crate in the back of my truck right now. In the morning, she'll be going to the farm. But, since she's never been off the property B4, and she doesn't know the chickens she'll be going to live with, I'm thinking I might need to keep her in the crate for a few days. That way, I figure she'll learn where she's going to be fed, sleep and lay her eggs. But, I don't have a clue as to how long I need to leave her in there. Any ideas?

 

[savingdogs]

I'm no expert at this, but my instinct tells me to say at LEAST one night, and I'd put her back in it overnight again the second night. After that she should know where home is I would think. I'd just keep an eye on her.

 

[Wannabefree]

A week minimum is what I do. One night, and the other birds may pick her to death. She will arrive at the very bottom of the pecking order. Give them time, and her security, to get to know each other. She'll still get picked on once she's out, but can establish herself within the ranks and it won't be near as bad. Chickens can be very vicious to each other.