Hello!
Today I finally got my lovely new hens. They are ex-bats fresh from the factory, hence a slightly scabby appearance.(would show you butdon't seem to be able to attach a photo!?)
Poor little things they are so skinny and bedraggled. As they haven't ever walked on ground before they really do not know what to do with themselves. Yesterday on getting them home, they just stood where I left them for two hours - I don't think they knew how to walk!
They had a really stressful day of it yesterday, what with the removal from their cages, lorry journey and settling in, but bless them - this morning I had three eggs! Aww
I think they are still recovering and it is interesting trying to get them to use the ramp and pop hole, have had to coax one up it for ten minutes this evening but they look grateful, and seeing them have a proper drink for the first time (apart from drinking from a rubber nipple which dispenses one drip at a time) was very heartwarming.
I will let you know how they settle in. Not looking forward to the pecking order fraccas!
Bonnie
my Lovely Hens
my Lovely Hens
"I'm the one that clucks loudest in my head"
That brought tears to my eyes BonnieT, how lucky those ladies are to have a real life eventually. 
I think that I will defo. try to get myself ex-bats.
I think that I will defo. try to get myself ex-bats.
Last edited by Annpan on Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ann Pan
"Some days you're the dog,
some days you're the lamp-post"
My blog
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"Some days you're the dog,
some days you're the lamp-post"
My blog
My Tea Cosy Shop
Some photos
My eBay
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Shirley
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Ahh well done you BonnieT - so good to hear that they've now got a good life, once they get used to it :)
Try this link
to a post that should help you post a pic
Try this link
to a post that should help you post a pic
Shirley
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site
My photos on Flickr
Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site
My photos on Flickr
Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/
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snapdragon
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the big butch ex rugby player had a tear in his eye when I read that out to him
lovely to know they are going to get better and better, well done you - if I could post piccies I would of one that belongs to a friend - with her chick, I remember meeting them when she brought them home - and seeing the change in them as they became 'real' chooks
thinks <how do I make my backyard cat/fox proof ????????????>
lovely to know they are going to get better and better, well done you
- if I could post piccies I would of one that belongs to a friend - with her chick, I remember meeting them when she brought them home - and seeing the change in them as they became 'real' chooksthinks <how do I make my backyard cat/fox proof ????????????>
Say what you mean and be who you are, Those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind
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Chickenlady
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That's great - will you have to knit them woolly ponchos, or do they have some feathers?
I was planning to do that, but then the lovely lady at the farm shop offered me some of hers. They are free rangers, but still go for pet food after about a year. She did explain it to me - something about EC regs - but it seems ridiculous as they still lay loads (or did until last week - I think they may be stressed from the fireworks; another story).
Anyway, I hope your girls settle into their blissful new existence quickly.
Jane
I was planning to do that, but then the lovely lady at the farm shop offered me some of hers. They are free rangers, but still go for pet food after about a year. She did explain it to me - something about EC regs - but it seems ridiculous as they still lay loads (or did until last week - I think they may be stressed from the fireworks; another story).
Anyway, I hope your girls settle into their blissful new existence quickly.
Jane
Haste makes waste
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Millymollymandy
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Thanks all, will keep you posted.
In answer to questions though, I haven't knitted any poncho's yet - some have more feathers than others, one is almost completely bald. I don't think they would appreciate jumpers but I make sure that they have plenty of straw at night to snuggle up to and there are no drafts whistling through the henhouse. The run is covered over so they can't get wet and they have shelter from the wind. Am feeding them catfood (not chicken flavoured!) for protein as apparently this helps! (apparently protein=feathers) (and eggs).
As for the fox/cat issue, this is something I am very worried about, particularly as my cat is an excellent hunter and regularly brings in huge rabbits and squirrils. He has been running up to the henhouse and scratching at the wire, and doesn't back off when they flap at him. At the moment they are in a run about two thirds the size of a single mattress (I have three). It is fox proof (I hope) having wire 'skirt', locks etc and built in house. It is fine for the moment as they are still getting used to moving around and have only got weak legs, but I am going to have to let them out in a few days - plus I get home from work in the dark, so can't shut them in. No prizes for guessing what I will be doing this weekend! I have thought that the cat will be more likely to leave them alone when they have their feathers back - they look much more imposing and mabye less appetizing when you can't see their necks!!
As for long nails, I got them from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust and they were already trimmed.
Bonnie
In answer to questions though, I haven't knitted any poncho's yet - some have more feathers than others, one is almost completely bald. I don't think they would appreciate jumpers but I make sure that they have plenty of straw at night to snuggle up to and there are no drafts whistling through the henhouse. The run is covered over so they can't get wet and they have shelter from the wind. Am feeding them catfood (not chicken flavoured!) for protein as apparently this helps! (apparently protein=feathers) (and eggs).
As for the fox/cat issue, this is something I am very worried about, particularly as my cat is an excellent hunter and regularly brings in huge rabbits and squirrils. He has been running up to the henhouse and scratching at the wire, and doesn't back off when they flap at him. At the moment they are in a run about two thirds the size of a single mattress (I have three). It is fox proof (I hope) having wire 'skirt', locks etc and built in house. It is fine for the moment as they are still getting used to moving around and have only got weak legs, but I am going to have to let them out in a few days - plus I get home from work in the dark, so can't shut them in. No prizes for guessing what I will be doing this weekend! I have thought that the cat will be more likely to leave them alone when they have their feathers back - they look much more imposing and mabye less appetizing when you can't see their necks!!
As for long nails, I got them from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust and they were already trimmed.
Bonnie
"I'm the one that clucks loudest in my head"