Questions about ex-battery hens!

[sumi]

I'll be sure and remind the owners to quarantine them.

Good thinking! You reminded me of something I left out earlier: their immune systems will be compromised and they won't be hardy. One of my hens got killed by internal worms that accidentally got introduced to the flock while my "regular" free rangers were dealing with them fine.

 

[MROO]

If two groups are all you can do, then two groups are better than one!
And if you're advertising, be sure to stress (using that word in a good way, this time!) that the focus here is on RESCUE. The eggs are just a bonus!

 

[Cyprus]

If I may jump in again. Although I understand it is difficult for you to divide these birds into more than 2 groups, I believe that you should divide them into 4 groups of 20.
This is borne of my belief that the birds will be significantly less stressed in a group of 20 than they will be in a group of 40.
Additionaly, in a smaller group like that they will have less competiton for essential resources such as food and water which are vital at this stage.
Smaller groups also help control bacteria buildup. Remember that their immune systems are compromised.