Need Advice- Chickens never seen the light of day

[2DogsFarm]

Quote:
Amen!
Why would anyone think an animal didn't need sunlight & fresh air?
My horses are out 24/7/365 and my 27yo TB looks & acts more like 5yo.
They have 12X12 stalls they can go into if they want. Mostly they stay outside, no matter the weather.

As soon as my henyard is re-fenced my girls will be out all day long, only shut in the coop at night to keep them safe.
For now the 5 of them share a roomy garden shed with a 2X5 (poultry)screened door that stays open for light & air.
And they get to freerange for a little bit in the morning & evenings while I feed the horses.

 

[NGT ANGL]

I'm sure the lady you got them from had her reasons for keeping them in her garage, but to me, it seems that you "rescued" tem instead of purchasing them. I am sure they will be much happier and healthier birds because of you!

Isn't it Vitamin D that all things get from the sunshine - I guess chickens benefit from that also? Plus to have grass and bugs and be able to scratch and take dust baths....Bless you for giving them the life that every chicken deserves!

 

[Little Ameraucana Mom]

We I was talking to her about buying them, I never thought to ask if they were outside or in cages. Never thought of it. I guess I presumed they were outside. But when we were standing there with them in cages in the back and she made the comment they'd never been in the sun, It kind of shocked me. They still aren't running around like my others, but they sure like scratching and peeking around. !!!!

 

[Little Ameraucana Mom]

I understand show people want to keep them clean and keep feathers intact from the others. But we show also, and I have put some up a few weeks before a show. But we have chicken tractors or rabbit cages, and they are still out where they can see what goes on. But I guess we aren't that serious about it . Ours are our babies. My daughter names them all. We both set in the lot and feed them, and watch them. I fret and worry about them if I"m gone for an hour. I"m always in a hurry to get home.

When we showed horses, we skipped shows that were on super hot and humid days. I've always put the animals welfare and feelings first. So I was shocked to think that 4 month old birds that had never seen the sunlight.

I'm sure she takes wonderful care of them, they are gorgeous brids. I just think animals should get to be animals to the best of our abitlitys.