Taking Your New HensHome

The arrival of your new hens is a day that we are sure you have been eagerly awaiting, and it is important to us that it runs as smoothly as possible for both you and your hens. 

What to expect on arrival?

Once you reach your chosen collection point your hens will have already been safely put into their travel boxes. Hens prefer to travel together as it makes them feel safer, so there can be up to 3 hens in one travel box. In addition to collecting your boxes you will be given a pack containing care information and their rehydration solution.

Getting them settled

Your hens will have had a busy day travelling so we ask that you take them straight home with no detours. Keep the car well-ventilated and quiet to create a stress-free environment for them. Once you arrive home follow the instructions given on the rehydration solution and place them ready in the run for your new hens to access. If you have purchased some of our docile hens (Polish & Silkies) you will have received an additional information sheet with instructions to follow inside your pack.

Place the hens into the run/coop and give them some space while they explore their new home. Please check to make sure that they are drinking as it is important that they rehydrate after their journey. If you are introducing new hens to an already established flock, it is best to do so overnight. Place your new hens somewhere separate with access to food/water and wait until night time to place them into the coop with your other hens. In the morning let them all out together as normal.

Chicken behaviour

Your hens may be nervous around you for the first few days as they adjust to their new home. They will also be familiarising themselves with their new flock and establishing their pecking order – which they do by pecking each other. This behaviour can look mean, but it is an important and natural part of their settling in process. If no blood is being drawn there is no need to intervene, and it typically settles down after a few days. For the first few nights you may need to check that they have taken themselves into the coop to sleep while they learn their new routine.