I'm sure i'm probably being a paranoid but...

[sheena]

The hen's were still sitting in their home and hadn't had any water since god knows when (I really didn't want to put water in their bed).
Anyway.. I placed them outside the house and in the run.

All was going well, until OH starts saying they eatting more grit than food, so off I go to investigate (OH lied, they were eatting the food which was right next to it), however... Boss (omg, I named one of the chicken's - she seems to be the bully) sounds like she's wheezing when breathing.

As I said i'm probably just over reacting, but does anyone know if this is temporary? Do I need to do anything? What can I do if anything?

[davefromthechipie]

Hi sheena they are staying inside as thats what they are used to Its going to take a few more days Still as they know its there home now you could lock them outside ..Till it starts getting cold/darkish .The Breathing/wheezing could have somthing to do with not drinking You could try watering the mash/food down .Hope that helps

Just to add, ex batts will fight over the food alot as thats what they had todo in them batt farms
having 2 feeders/ 2 places with food in the run could fix this problem . As for food/water I wouldnt in the house

[sheena]

Could well be, they've been in the run now for around 2 hours with no sign of wanting to go back in house yet. Having been drinking and eating well, i'll see how the rest of the day progresses.

OH was getting worried about them limping, but I told him it was normal for batt's due to lack of exercise, but they seem to be walking a bit better now.

Well the sun is shining (makes a change from all the rain we've had the last few days), so best let them enjoy it whilst it lasts. They seem to be loving it tho... i'm so glad I got them too, am guessing i've had an egg from each of them as I got 4 eggs in total today.

I'm considering changing my name to Bill Odie with all this bird watching i'm doing. lol

[Suechooks]

They won't know that they can get back inside yet. They're only used to keeping in one place so you may need to put them to bed when its time.
Keep an eye/ear on the wheezy one and make sure she is eating and drinking. If she starts to look unwell (tail down, eyes shut,hunched up, standing in a corner etc) you might want to see your vet in case its an infection as some antibiotics could set her right. Are you using dust-extracted bedding?

[sheena]

Gonna put them to bed in the next 15 mins, as it's still pretty bright right now.

She seems to have perked up, been feeding and drinking and haven't heard the wheezing anymore. But still keeping an eye on them all.

The bedding is dust-extracted, so didn't think it would of been that.

[Suechooks]

Pheeeew! That's good Sheena! Bet you're relieved! They are a worry but worth it!