7 ex battery hens arrived on 5 July and I am on a steep learning curve - but I've still got 7 - and I love 'em. The garden is fine - I thought there would be more damage but apart from eating a large patch of Comfrey the hens are more interested in foraging the perimeter under the shrubs and hedges. The house is looking neglected as the hens are much more interesting than housework - that is my excuse! I used this website alot for reassurance and information about the teething problems - worms, lice, bullying, unwell hen/yellow urate, fermenting feed, funny eggs and just about everything! The site has been a huge help. So time today to surface and say hello.