New battery cage survivors

[lexigali]

I got three Lohmann battery cage hens today; they are about 3 years old.

It seems their combs and faces are extremely pale (maybe anemia?)

They will stay in a coop for about 10 days before I set them free and let them roam in the yard.
The weather here at this time of the year is about 7-17 deg cel.

What should I do or what nutritional additives should I give them to help them recover?

 

[swamphiker]

It sounds like you have a good plan in place The biggest thing is to make sure the majority of their feed is appropriate chicken feed, resist the temptation to give too many treats. You should also offer grit and oyster shells or other calcium source. Keep an eye on them to make sure they are eating and drinking as they adapt to their new home.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

Here is a good article on on Ex-Batt hens:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/getting-caring-for-and-keeping-ex-battery-hens.76219/

 

[lexigali]

It sounds like you have a good plan in place The biggest thing is to make sure the majority of their feed is appropriate chicken feed, resist the temptation to give too many treats. You should also offer grit and oyster shells or other calcium source. Keep an eye on them to make sure they are eating and drinking as they adapt to their new home.

Thank you!
They're not my first hens, but I never had battery survivors before, and I was wondering because they don't look well. (The diet of all my hens is based on appropriate chicken food and crushed egg shells for calcium.)

 

[lexigali]

Welcome to BYC.

Here is a good article on on Ex-Batt hens:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/getting-caring-for-and-keeping-ex-battery-hens.76219/

Thanks!