Brought these rescue hens home tonight

[Backroadlogic]

I saw retired laying hens online and since I've always wanted to get a few and retire them into a simple life with my free range flock I decided to go get a few. I didn't expect the person to have 600 hens shoved in little cages and for them to be so neglected. Me and my friends went for 20, left with 40. Would have taken more but didn't have the room. * before suggested, they are laying already and I don't believe a hard molt is the problem lol

 

[tlcmurphy]

Thank you for rescuing as many as you could.

 

[Backroadlogic]

Thank you for rescuing as many as you could.

If things go right this year and i can get some stuff built I think I'm going to go back for a bunch more, i have the land just need something to contain them at night.

 

[Shadrach]

I saw retired laying hens online and since I've always wanted to get a few and retire them into a simple life with my free range flock I decided to go get a few. I didn't expect the person to have 600 hens shoved in little cages and for them to be so neglected. Me and my friends went for 20, left with 40. Would have taken more but didn't have the room. * before suggested, they are laying already and I don't believe a hard molt is the problem lol

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Having an established non production chicken group to show the Ex Battery hens the ropes I found made life easier.
Be warned, they'll break your heart. You just get to appreciate what wonderful creatures they are and they start dying.
I'm not for a moment suggesting one shouldn't keep them but once you've seen them discovering the world and enjoying their new freedoms you're hooked.

 

[Backroadlogic]

Thats what i was thinking. I have 16 hens and a few roosters that freerange 24 x 7 , I think they will be good teachers. I'm aware of their issues, I just wanted them to be cute for awhile and eat my ticks lol these girls are already very gentle and calm

Having an established non production chicken group to show the Ex Battery hens the ropes I found made life easier.
Be warned, they'll break your heart. You just get to appreciate what wonderful creatures they are and they start dying.
I'm not for a moment suggesting one shouldn't keep them but once you've seen them discovering the world and enjoying their new freedoms you're hooked.

 

[fldiver97]

Thank you for giving these poor hens a new life!!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oh my goodness. Bless you - and them!

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

I saw retired laying hens online and since I've always wanted to get a few and retire them into a simple life with my free range flock I decided to go get a few. I didn't expect the person to have 600 hens shoved in little cages and for them to be so neglected. Me and my friends went for 20, left with 40. Would have taken more but didn't have the room. * before suggested, they are laying already and I don't believe a hard molt is the problem lol

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Did the owner tell you how old the birds and what breed/mix they are?
600 WOW!

 

[McChooky]

I saw retired laying hens online and since I've always wanted to get a few and retire them into a simple life with my free range flock I decided to go get a few. I didn't expect the person to have 600 hens shoved in little cages and for them to be so neglected. Me and my friends went for 20, left with 40. Would have taken more but didn't have the room. * before suggested, they are laying already and I don't believe a hard molt is the problem lol

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What a beautiful sight! Those babies don't have a clue what a wonderful adventure and life lies ahead.It makes me want to cry!