Rescuing battery hens and would appreciate advice!

[usschicago1]

How exiting! Goodluck with them! Im sure we can all you too

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd suggest you get their vaccination history. If they have been vaccinated against Infectious Laryngotracheitis they are carriers and will infect any chicken they come into contact with in the future unless the new chickens are also vaccinated for this. It's not a reason to not get them, just something to be aware of. I'm no saying all commercial hens are vaccinated for this, just that it is worth knowing if they are.

Best of luck in this endeavor.

 

[ranchhand]

Not sure about vaccinations in the UK, but I do know that the hens must be retired after one year of laying. So the "buying" of these hens does amount to a rescue. I have had hens lay as many as 14 years, when in healthy condition! I hope these will be as good for you!

Both English Chick, in England, and Highlander, in Scotland, have acquired ex-batts, and can surely help you even more. The hens did look very bad when rescued, but after a month of good care really blossomed into beautiful birds. Though I understand they will try your patience when adjusting to a real life!

Good luck and what a wonderful thing to do - good on you!

 

[CTChickenMom]

I tried your link and couldn't get to the side but when I googled it came up with this: http://www.bhwt.org.uk/ ....just (.) where you had a / . Time to check out Battery Hen Welfare Trust!

 

[chuckyjo]

Ooops! My mistake!

Thank you for correcting that!

Just been out to finish clearing out Peckingham Palace! Want it to be perfect for them, but I suppose anything would seem like paradise after living in a cage the size of a piece of paper!

Many more thanks guys

xxx

 

[Highlander]

Chuckyjo, you will love your new girls. Yes, they will need a little extra TLC, extra vits and protein. They will be skittish at first and will possibly need to learn how to be chickens again. But once you have gained their trust they will reward you will so much love and gratitude ( and eggs!). Good luck with them and enjoy the experience.

Below is a link to the thread that I started when I rescued mine.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=150705&p=1

 

[chuckyjo]

Thank you Highlander!

I'm reading up on everything, and preparing the coop. I don't expect them to behave like "normal" chickens and am ready for the effort and challenges!

I'm still devastated by the loss of my babies and caring for some needy hens will help ease the pain!

xxx

 

[This'l'do]

I have 8 ex-battery hens rescued last year. Initially their behaviour is interesting as they are not used to roosting and nesting like they should. Mine have a tendency to roost in the nest boxes so you may have to close them off at night and they lay wherever they feel like. 7 now lay in some 5gallon pails I put chips in and they seem happy with that. Oddly enough they started 'nesting' better after I got a wonderfully well-mannered roo from a local farm he appears to have been teaching them more 'proper' behaviour. They also have issues going outside and won't leave the coop unless the Roo or I are with them but they are getting better at that.

It is very rewarding to watch them grow feathers back and if you spend time with them they become as friendly as other chickens. I've had mine since september, you cannot tell now that they were once very naked looking and I get 6-7 eggs from my 'retired' ladies.

Good Luck!

 

[chuckyjo]

Thanks for your help!

They will be going into the shed (Peckingham Palace) where they will have the options of where to lay or roost. There is plenty of bedding, ground level nesting baskets or higher platforms for when they feel ready to venture upwards! I've put little ramps in to help as I don't suppose they'll be much good at flying!

I've also purchased rodent drinkers for their water as I understand that poultry feeders/drinkers baffle them at first!

Think for the first few nights I'll put them in my dog crate inside the shed with the latch open so it doesn't feel too big and daunting for them.

Am getting the lucky ladies tomorrow-wish me luck!!!!!!!

xxx

 

[Highlander]

sounds like you will have some lucky girls come tomorrow. Good luck Jo, and remember to post pics for us straight away please!