My yearlings see their hens for around 30 minutes before being basketed, the basket is then put in a spare section for around 45 minutes to allow the cocks to calm down. I'm more concerned about weather conditions than anything else, they're kept at home if there's east in the wind or a strong tail wind forecast. Its not a bad idea to send them to the first race sitting for around 6-8 days then widow them when they get home. Two replies and two different opinions.