Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[bruceha2000]

I may just use pine chips under the roost for easier cleanup and straw in the nest boxes.

I use pine chips in both.

 

[Shadrach]

I took them chopped tomatoes, chopped curly Kale and Tuna today. There was still feed in the feeder and pellets no less!
It always amazes me how no matter what the weather they will all at least venture out even if it's only for a few minutes. It's partly because they think I've got something nice for them to eat, but when I compare them to the miserable looking lot on the buses I catch to get to the allotments, the chickens seem like such an uncompllaining lot compared to humans. Henry is always polite, most of the hens show some regard for my fingers when trying to grabe exactly the same as I've just put on the ground. Henry stands back after inspection and lets the hens crowd around my hand as they try to get more pecks in than the next. No complaints when it's all gone. They don't even hang around my feet. Instead there is a rush to get to the other end of the allotment run; some half flying, others at full trot. All the hassle of the journey to get there gets forgotton as I watch them investigate the latest crater they started digging the day before, or if you're called Lima or Dusk, head for the gap in the makeshift fence that is supposed to block off the strip alongside the goose run.
Did I ever write how wonderfully fond I am of this species?

Last snacks before bed.

 

[Iluveggers]

A little slice of chicken paradise….If only humans were as appreciative of what they had…

 

[Sortacountrychicken]

I'm glad to read they have had food for the past few days. I hope the trend continues. I do so love seeing them out and about and I must admit that I chuckle every time I see Henry with the hens. He is such a large fellow compared to those ex batts.

 

[ManueB]

It always amazes me how no matter what the weather they will all at least venture out even if it's only for a few minutes. It's partly because they think I've got something nice for them to eat, but when I compare them to the miserable looking lot on the buses I catch to get to the allotments, the chickens seem like such an uncompllaining lot compared to humans. Henry is always polite, most of the hens show some regard for my fingers when trying to grabe exactly the same as I've just put on the ground.

These ex-batts seem more British than your fellow humans on the bus! (My partner, by the way, is a bus driver, and he lovingly nicknames his clients "the livestock".) My ex-batts being french, always complain that they didn't get enough food, that somebody got more than they did, and will make a loud tragedy of a little rain.


However for the time being these hawk attacks shocked them so much they have become very quiet . They now fear danger everywhere and all the time, even in the coop, where they stay most of the time. And they do nap on the straw , probably because they will not go back under the laurel tree, where the attack happened.

Hopefully time will make it better!

 

[Ladies-Eight]

I'm not saying it was right but when you grow up in a holler in eastern Ky your access to medical care was very limited.

I know what you are saying as I grew up living up a holler (as it is called) in West Virginia in the coal fields.

 

[Ladies-Eight]

Opinions on straw versus cedar or pine chips for bedding for the coop?

I use all pine chips.

I find they are clean and the chickens have a good time moving them about.

 

[Ladies-Eight]

Ex Batts good morning one and all!

The temperature is73 and sunny.

Have a great day!

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@Shadrach

A belated but very happy birthday.

Here's to many more.

 

[Shadrach]

I'm glad to read they have had food for the past few days. I hope the trend continues. I do so love seeing them out and about and I must admit that I chuckle every time I see Henry with the hens. He is such a large fellow compared to those ex batts.

Henry's comparative size is a bit of a problem. I've treated two hens recently for claw cuts on their shoulders having watched him slide off rather badly a couple of times. The cuts are not serious but I'm going to have to check his regular Ex Battery squeezes now. The larger hens, even the Lagbars are wide enough for him to get a comfortable position on their shoulders. Some of the Ex Battery hens are on the slim side.

 

[Shadrach]

These ex-batts seem more British than your fellow humans on the bus! (My partner, by the way, is a bus driver, and he lovingly nicknames his clients "the livestock".) My ex-batts being french, always complain that they didn't get enough food, that somebody got more than they did, and will make a loud tragedy of a little rain.


However for the time being these hawk attacks shocked them so much they have become very quiet . They now fear danger everywhere and all the time, even in the coop, where they stay most of the time. And they do nap on the straw , probably because they will not go back under the laurel tree, where the attack happened.

Hopefully time will make it better!
View attachment 3013410

Time usually does the trick but their reluctance to go out is understandable. In general hawks are not something they've experiienced before.