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Post by petperson on Jul 2, 2009 13:38:39 GMT -5
We're thinking of getting three or four ex-battery hens in the next few weeks. Whilst I would really like to do this, I do worry whether they are suitable first hens for a complete novice. Might we be better starting with a particular breed of hen? Also what do people think about the Eglu Cube? Would hens get really hot in weather like we're having now?
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Post by alexanderarthur on Jul 9, 2009 18:30:48 GMT -5
We re homed 10 ex bat hens about two months ago.
we were a bit apprehensive never having kept chooks before.
The hens are easy to keep and more or less look after themselves if you keep them fed, watterd and clean them out regularly.
ex bat hens are great pets and quickly bond with you because you feed them and treat them kindly. ours follow us around the garden when we let them out there pen because I move all the plant pots and paver's in the garden to let them get the slugs n beasties below. I can pick them up and they don't bother about it.
we are getting between 6 and 8 large eggs every day that are so much tastier than shop eggs. we have given Friends some eggs and then talked them into giving ex bats a home and a happy retirement and have re homed 24 in the last month.
the feathers ours were missing have started growing in and they are looking fine now. we feed spillers pellets and anything else thats needs eaten and reckon 10 hens cost us £7.50 a month to feed and get about 180 superb eggs. we now spend hours in the garden just watching them.
rescuing ex bat chooks is very rewarding and worthwhile in lots of ways. Best regards Martin
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Post by petperson on Jul 10, 2009 11:57:22 GMT -5
Thank you for your reassuring comments. They have helped me decide on the ex-batt chickens and I'm looking forward to getting three or possibly four on July 25th.
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Post by teammellis65 on Jul 11, 2009 4:47:12 GMT -5
I have had 4 ex battery hens for about a month. I put them in with my other hens, and although there was a bit of chasing to start with, all have settled in together. I would agree with Martin that they bond with you very quickly and as soon as you appear they run towards you, and follow you. They were understandably a little timid to start with but now there feathers are growing their comb is getting redder by the day and they march around the place as if they have been here for ever. Good luck with your new girls!
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hiver
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by hiver on Jul 19, 2009 12:39:22 GMT -5
I picked up three ex-bats four weeks ago and although they look wonderful compared to the featherless creatures they were, I am not convinced they are too well. One is fine, beautiful and is laying each day but is a terrible bully. Of the other two, one is beautiful but so timid, she has never become tame and is bullied so much that she rarely gets to the feed, is fending for herself in my large garden and I notice her comb which drooped badly when we got her is not as red as I think it should be. The third one is not so good and I am worried about her. She still has not got all her feathers and is bald around her vent. I think she has diarrhea but it is hard to tell as despite watching never actually see her doing it. I really love'em to bits and it hurts to see them unwell. Our local vet is not poultry friendly so shall ring up tomorrow and see what advice HappyChicks can give me.
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Post by petperson on Jul 20, 2009 4:14:30 GMT -5
Thank you for your reply- I really hope that your hens are feeling better soon. I'm due to pick mine up on Saturday. I'd like to know how yours are doing.
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