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Well, we've finally done it. Today I collected 6 rescued ex-battery hens. They were in surprisingly good condition, just a few breast feathers missing and a couple with saggy combs which are already perking up. Because they arrived a couple of weeks earlier than expected, they've taken up residence in our summerhouse. So they have their own veranda (how posh!) and a fenced of grassed area of about 8 foot square in front of it. They've been out and about and have been pecking blue blazes out of the grass already, as well as getting through a stack of food!

Really looking forward to what the next few years has in store. I'm beginning to think this could be the start of bigger things.

Lynne

Oh how exciting! Please do keep us posted. I'm hoping to get some rescue girls in a couple of months.

Ratty

Today 6 ex-batts, tomorrow hybrid layers, rare breeds, bantams, a couple of cockerels and a dozen eggs in the incubator. Admit it, you're hooked already

It can get addictive! But they are great to have around the plot - ample fresh eggs, people will visit you looking to get half a dozen away with them! And think of the muck for the compost heap too.

Nothing beats skipping down the garden in your dressing gown and wellies (or Homer Simpson pyjamas in Nev's case ) for fresh eggs to poach on a Sunday morning. mmmmm poaaacheed eeeegggss

Oo! Don't start :)

With 5 eggs yesterday and another 5 today, I'm going to have to get baking. How traumatic is that?

Lynne

Thats great to hear that they are laying already! I guess its not all doom & gloom for rescue girls - I'd been told to expect a 50% loss rate which seems very sad indeed.

Did you get them through BHWT?

Ratty

lsm1066 wrote:Oo! Don't start :)

With 5 eggs yesterday and another 5 today, I'm going to have to get baking. How traumatic is that?

Lynne

I never tire of collecting eggs.. its still a treat.

egg ideas: lemon curd! yum yum... quiche (quiche freezes too - i make then and cut up into lunch pieces boxed up and frozenfor himself to take to work)

I'm getting 4 rescue hens on Saturday - and still haven't got anywhere to put them! Well, the shed is there - but not cleared out yet. I had hoped to have today and tomorrow off, but that hasn't happened...

Ratty wrote:Thats great to hear that they are laying already! I guess its not all doom & gloom for rescue girls - I'd been told to expect a 50% loss rate which seems very sad indeed.

Did you get them through BHWT?

Ratty

I think if your girls are seriously traumatised then you might lose a couple. I've certainly heard of losing 50% but my parents have had nothing but rescued battery hens for about 15 years and they've never lost more than one a year. And they've always died on the way home, not once they've settled in. Then again, my dad always gives them a good dose of the chicken equivalent of rescue remedy for the first couple of days. My lot had this and one of them has already escaped, either over or under a 4 foot fence, about 4 times! Obviously full of beans that one. Once we get them into their permanent home in the orchard, we'd better put a roof on the run and bury it about a foot into the ground!

I didn't get them through the BHWT but from someone getting onto our local Freecycle board to let everyone know they were coming. They were from Lincolnshire Pet and Wildlife Rescue. You could also try Free at Last Pet and Poultry Rescue, who you can find on the web.

Lynne

Thanks for the tips Lynne. I guess we're not all that far from you? How are the new girls doing now?

Ratty