Moving the chucks was never going to be easy. Three large coops and one large run of approx. 4m x 4ms, one wooden run of the same size, and build one similar to house those who inhabited and large fenced and secure run by the pond. The solution was to build two new runs to complement the existing one and to have them in place by the second day.
All were loaded into two transit vans belonging to a manandavan from Winch (couldn’t be more helpful or enthusiastic), plus a large quantity of “it might just be useful” garden and pet items [things like 30 x 2′ x 2′ slabs, too many poles and posts to count, and many barge boards etc. of the “too good to leave” variety. The plan was to send off the chucks, we would follow and meet them at Merryhall, and the main removal van which was waiting to load more of the garden and pet items would follow on – all to meet up at about 16.00.
The first van was to move so that the second van could load – already behind schedule now, and LO! It wouldn’t start. We were behind them in the drive loaded with the rabbits and we couldn’t move. The removal people were now losing their patience, and through gritted teeth offered jump leads [“no thanks, its not the battery”], then I offered one [“no thanks, its a solenoid”]. After a swift phonecall to Dad, the lads jump started the van it sailed off to get a new battery (from where, what time is now the rendezvous?).
In the event, we met up with both vans that travelled separately within 5 minutes of each other at 17.00. All the chucks settled in with some madly laying (stress response!) and others going through a large moult (ditto). Their finished abode now looks like this:
19-02-17. We’ve been off to Happy Hens near Hereford again, this time to get some Frizzels! These videos show them, and our other hens in their enclosure. Spot the smart new mark II Eglu Cube – the wooden hen house is now the new duck house!
Cute little things who have washed their hair and forgotten to dry it.
Nicki really does have some lovely hens and she and her husband are nice people to boot
which is a bonus.
The set up is amazing, and so well organised and clean