transporting 3 adult runners, and introducing them.

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I finally found some adult runners for sale, very accommodating lady and unless I get time before Saturday I am going to pick them up then, its a 4 hour drive but nothing here is close so no big deal. I have a wire XL dog crate with a plastic tray in the bottom. I planned to use hay in the bottom to line it and thought I would put some cardboard splatter guard around the bottom edge about 12-14" high. to prevent too much spray getting all over the inside of the car. the crate was big enough for my 90lb lab, is it ok to put 3 full size runner hens in it for a 4 hour trip? they are all from the same flock so I assume that element won't be a huge issue. when I get them home, its likely to be later on in the evening I was thinking about using my 4x6 brooder for the night to let them chill out in after the ride before introducing them to the rest of the flock. I could divide off the duck yard and let them meet through the mesh, however as they are all female except my one drake is that necessary? I certainly hope I can integrate them quickly rather than have to set up quick housing for them.
I presume, as these gals are 1-2 years old they are currently laying, what accommodations do I need to make for them? I currently use hay as bedding, I am on the fence about it, though with the design of my duck house it gets poop in it but being on rubber matts, off the ground, refreshed often and changed weekly it hasn't been a mold issue and I like the idea of it composting and breaking down easily. my current flock is about 12-13 weeks old now and as yet my drake has not yet gotten amorous with the girls, how will the addition of these older females change this dynamic? is 7:1 an acceptable ratio? the more limited the breeding, the happier I will be.
what other things am I missing here, I use nutrina all flock 18percent protein so I will need to supply calcium yes? what's the best way and will they just eat as needed? do I need to worry about my drake or the other girls who aren't yet laying eating it?
sorry for the longwinded post, I am happy to take any advice I can get.
thanks
Seth
SMM

 

[DuckyDonna]

Hi Seth, welcome to byc!

It sounds like you've got a very good plan. Let them get acquainted through the fence for a day or maybe even less. If you think it's going well let them all together and see what happens. I think the old and new groups will probably hang out together but time will tell on that.

You need to offer oyster shells on the side in a dish for the new girls who are already laying. I recently built myself a great oyster shell box that is working out very well.

My runners will lay in their night pen or in the run. They need no nesting boxes and will often plop out an egg while getting a drink of water! I

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep that's a Runner for ya, just were ever they maybe running plop. I am excited for you you'll love these Runners. I bet your babies will be pushy since these are going to be the new kids on the block. Let them work it out and hopefully in a few days they will be one flock. Can't wait to see your new girls.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

The cage is 21x24x35, does that sound big enough?

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Seth, Sounds to me like you have a great plan worked out. I would say your cage with plenty of bedding is a perfect size for your 3 runners to be transported home in. Maybe bring a cloth sheet of some sort to cover the cage with to help calm them during the drive if there is any issues? Good luck, have a safe trip and please keep us posted.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep sorry I transported 4 Runners in an Xlarge dog crate so I think you’ll be fine.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Looks like Saturday is the day, I’m very excited. I love runners. Normally I would be looking forward to this trip but the whole global climate takes the pizzaz out of it

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hope your not having to travel through any large city where are the craziness is.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Hope your not having to travel through any large city where are the craziness is.

Lord no, we are pretty remote up here, I’m 4 hrs from Boston if I am driving, but that is south and we really don’t go south much. Everyone here pretty well behaves themselves. I am actually more and more proud of where I am from with each passing day.
Just all the precautions take the fun out of stopping for lunch or an ice cream, we shall persevere!

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s good I am very thankful we live rural too.