Little Hen Rescue

Hi

I have been doing some research into keeping my own hens recently, since becoming a bit handy at growing my own veg, I thought why not keep some hens in the patch i can't fill with plants. I stumbled upon an article in my local paper which led me to this website www.littlehenrescue.co.uk so so sad. Just wanted to raise their profile a bit. I have donated myself and am considering getting a couple but want to make sure I am doing the right thing first.


http://littlehenrescue.co.uk/default.aspx

 

It's a worthwhile cause Lolly. I've never taken in ex-batts myself, but I know several people who have and the stories you hear would make a stone weep. A few points though I would bring to your attention, not to dissuade you, but just to prepare you.

• When you get them, the birds may be virtually featherless (from constant feather pecking). They need somewhere dry, draught free, warm and out of the sun (they can get sun burnt!) at least until the feathers start to re-grow. Your kitchen can be as good a place as any!
• They don't live that long - two years is the average, but you do have the pleasure of watching them become chickens again, as opposed to egg laying machines
• They can be lame, ill or need additional care at the beginning or all through their lives. Luck of the draw
• If you have other chickens, they seem to turn into complete bullies. Perhaps a bit of oneupmanship going on...?

But go for it. I'd also recommend trying the Battery Hen Welfare Trust - brilliant organisation and the woman who runs it, is inspirational. I even did a charity calendar, a la Calendar Girls a few years ago to raise money for them. I was thinner then.

 

I once had a yoga teacher who kept battery rescues. It seemed to go well and although she basically kept them as pets, she got a surprising number of eggs as well. Some of her hens had a tendency to freak out when they first set foot on grass (nasty, alien stuff!), but they seemed to adapt quite quickly. I think it's a lovely thing to do. If I ever move out of the town and have a bit more space, I'll certainly think about it.

PS Do you have nice, sensible neighbours? My poor yoga teacher had problems with idiots who were convinced that they were going to die from bird 'flu because she had a few hens running about. I despair.

 

sussex gardener has given good advice

i have re-homed batteries and have thouroughly enjoyed having them - mine too were scared of the grass and they did have terrible bald patches and pale combs

one of mine has lived for many years and still wanders around the whole garden, still giving an egg nearly every day though some are a bit of a strange shape - shes called mrs cancan cos she still has a funny gait she loves to come in the house and my daughter loves to sit and cuddle her

loopy

 

They also get scared of the open space that they suddenly have above their heads!

Considering that they have never been taught or seen other hens doing what hens do when free ranging, they learn to scratch, dust bath and run remarkably quickly.