We're adopting more chooks so I've done up the coup...

[edster951]

We're going to get some battery chickens this weekend. I went to see how much they were and for chickens due out of the cages is $3.50NZ each.

I wanted 12, my wife wants 6 so I'll comprimise and get 9.

Remeber the derelict old coup on our new property, well I've fenced an area off in front of it.

The others are inspecting my work.

Inside I have added two bails of hay one infront of the nesting boxes so they can jump up and down, and one infront of the roost pole (to the right) for them to jump up and down, after we have taught them that is.

They can actually get to the roost by either going over the nesting boxes or from the hail bail in front.

After a few weeks of "quaranteen" I'll let them out to freerange.

But to help socialisation all chickens will be fed in the same area, so the battery ones can see how to scratch

 

[bantymum]

I like derelict old coops, I love the rustic look, The galvanised roof is a great colour too!
well done, it looks really comfy in there for them.
Its nice that you can rescue some battery hens, will they lay?
It would be so nice to see them learning to scratch.
Ive heard that they have mental issues and carry a bit of baggage after what they have been through , I do hope they will recover and enjoy their lovely new life.
Hooray for you!!

 

[MissPrissy]

Ed, please read this thread before you add chickens to your flock.

I like old chicken coops, too. They have personality and function.

 

[edster951]

Quote:
Now I don't know what to do....would there be more risk with battery hens as they are in close confinement, or should get the young chicks he has for sale also....I had my heart set on rescuing battery hens. Mine were subjected to cow and sheep poop, and rats..they're still OK.

How much problems am I getting myself into rescuing them...

anyway..

Today I modified the coup the girls lived in as the chicks are so big now that 16 chickens outgrew it.

I got an old glasshouse lined it with ply and put it inbetween the coup and run...

Added a 100mm diameter post for a roost..

The boys painted it..

You can also see the chooks roosting in the old part, while the younger chooks are testing the new roost. Tons of room now.

 

[MissPrissy]

Here in the US factory hens are more likely to have a disease than a backyard flock. More salmenella is seen in eggs from factory chickens than in private stock.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Edster, your setup looks great. Best of good wishes for your new girls. They are ever so blessed to have come into your caring hands!

 

[chickhamm]

if you follow precautions i really dont see a reason for not rescueing some of the battery hens. Missprissy is right though and caution should be taken. I am deffinitly not a expert but have read a few posts on battery hens and will put what i have read here, now, i am sory i dont mean to plagerize but cant remember the posts to put links here.

1st i would quarrenteen them for at least 30 days and worm them twice during this time, some people i have read even treat them (any new bird) for resporatory infections as status quo.


they have been in small cages all their lives, dont overwhelm with a huge space, a nice large roomy cage with some roosts will be plenty and help them adjust to larger spaces. Heck, they probably dont even know what a roost is so they will have a time figureing those out.


after the quarrenteen, move their cage (cages) next to the run for your other birds, maybe now add a small run along the outside so they can get used to the grass and dirt. They will be protected from your flock but still be able to socalize threw the fence. i would keep them here at least another 30 days. its going to be hard for them adjusting. From what i have read, their muscles are not all that well developed, it will take time for them to toughen them up and develop them. learning to walk, fly a little, dust bath........scratch........

I think it is great you are doing this for them, the hens have lived such a horrid life.....you are giving them a whole new start.


Theressa
Creativelywoven.com
(its not up yet but soon)
GA