Factory Hen Questions

[chicken_angler]

I am going to be getting 1 or 2 factory hens soon and I need to know a little bit more about them. My main cooncern is if I can put them in with my chickens I previously have. If not, I can finish building a mini coop. Also some of my questions are -

- type of feed?
- do they need a friend or can I get only one?
-do they lay eggs when I get them?
- can I eat their eggs?
- are they mean or calm?
-can they be in a small coop and run or be free-ranged?

Any answers will be gladly appreciated! Thanks, Cody

 

[emandmikey]

Hi Cody! I'm interested in finding out how you will be obtaining these factory hens. I haven't heard of anywhere in the States which has a hen rescue program... I'm interested if there is a program here! Em

 

[chicken_angler]

Hello and I will be getting mine from a farm here in Ohio called Hertzfeld Poultry Farms. There are two of them close to me so that is where I will be getting mine from.

 

[brooster]

type of feed?
A layer crumble works fine

- do they need a friend or can I get only one?
I would get two, they are social animals.

-do they lay eggs when I get them?
They will be laying when you get them

- can I eat their eggs?
They are the same white eggs you get at the store, so yes

- are they mean or calm?
They will most likely be scared/timid at first, just try to tame them

-can they be in a small coop and run or be free-ranged?
Coop and run yes, free range, not yet they have been on a barn their whole lives, let them get used to being outside first.

 

[chicken_angler]

Hey Brooster. I called all tree numbers for Hertzfeld Farms and only one led to a lady who answered and I asked if they had any old hens for sale. She said no. Is there any other place here in Northwest Ohio that might sell factory hens?
Cody

 

[brooster]

If they wont sell you any, then i would just go to hillsdale.

 

[chicken_angler]

Ill see if my dad will take me Saturday because my mom is going gambling with her sister because it is her sisters b-day.

 

[brooster]

Maybe you should wait until august 16th http://www.freckerauction.com/auction_detail.php?ID=387233

 

[chicken_angler]

Do they sell chickens every saturday?

 

[brooster]

Yep, but they have a special one on the 16th. I will be at the wood county fair all next week, i will talk to a few people if you dont make it to hillsdale. Maybe i will find a few hens.