what the...

Discussion in 'Livestock' started by Sarah Giles, Apr 18, 2015.

  1. Lolimac

    Lolimac Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    I think Nando will soon get into the swing of things:thumbsup: I've never had ex bats but I'm sure it must take them some getting used to being out in the big wide world,I think all chooks need time to get used to their surroundings before they settle down.

    You could also maybe try slowly introducing 'Layers pellets' chook food, you could crush some down at first as they won't be used to it.I understand there is more protein in them for growing chooks,just an idea:thumbsup:
     
    • Useful Useful x 2
    • Jiffy

      Jiffy The Match is on Fire

      Joined:
      Aug 25, 2011
      Messages:
      11,168
      Occupation:
      Pyro
      Location:
      Retired Next To The Bonfire in UK
      Ratings:
      +31,458
      All the ingredients would have been milled and mixed to make a mash for battery hens, thats why they look at it and think what's this, they will soon come round to eating it :dbgrtmb:
      allso there food would have been given to them by drag chains in a tough, when the chains start moving they know that food is on it's way
       
      • Informative Informative x 4
      • Agree Agree x 1
        Last edited: Apr 22, 2015
      • "M"

        "M" Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Aug 11, 2012
        Messages:
        18,607
        Location:
        The Garden of England
        Ratings:
        +31,885
        My first experience of chook keeping was with an ex-batt. The "farms" usually only keep their hens for a maximum of 15 months.
        My ex-batt continually laid soft shell eggs and I tried most things. Finally used baked crushed egg shells and I saw a change in both her feathers, her general demeanour and then ... at long last .... I got a "proper" egg :yes: (well, as near as damn it anyway). Took about 9 months in all. Then, she went into decline and a few days later, the inevitable happened.
        Ex-batts don't have a high life expectancy simply because the hens are bred for high yield in as short a time as possible and this takes its toll on the overall health and longevity of the birds. Also bear in mind they were never bred to live for more than those 15 months at high intensity production, so anything they are given thereafter is a bonus for them (and their quality of life).
         
        • Like Like x 2
        • Friendly Friendly x 2
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Sarah Giles

          Sarah Giles Gardener

          Joined:
          Feb 18, 2015
          Messages:
          318
          Gender:
          Female
          Occupation:
          Volunteer/crazy person
          Location:
          Staffordshire
          Ratings:
          +711
          IMAG0520.jpg

          :D
           
          • Informative Informative x 2
          • Funny Funny x 1
          • Sarah Giles

            Sarah Giles Gardener

            Joined:
            Feb 18, 2015
            Messages:
            318
            Gender:
            Female
            Occupation:
            Volunteer/crazy person
            Location:
            Staffordshire
            Ratings:
            +711
            We keep saying that we're amazed at how well they've done. They've been with us now about a couple of months and we've not had any health problems, not lost any, no predator attempts.. We really have been so lucky with them. All the chooks are happy and healthy and no matter how long they may be with, we're just happy to have them with us for their best months or years :)
             
            • Friendly Friendly x 2
            • Like Like x 1
            • Sarah Giles

              Sarah Giles Gardener

              Joined:
              Feb 18, 2015
              Messages:
              318
              Gender:
              Female
              Occupation:
              Volunteer/crazy person
              Location:
              Staffordshire
              Ratings:
              +711
              At the moment they're having 5 scoops of layers crumble, a handful of sunflower seeds (which they have yet to get the taste for), a handful of mixed grit and a handful of mealworms in their feed which I put out in the morning. In the afternoon they normally have about 30-50g of mealworms between them which we're also using to train them :) This normally lasts them the day but they seem to be eating more and more! We've also just opened up the run a bit more so they've got some extra grass and soil to dig around in :)
               
              • Informative Informative x 1
              • Sarah Giles

                Sarah Giles Gardener

                Joined:
                Feb 18, 2015
                Messages:
                318
                Gender:
                Female
                Occupation:
                Volunteer/crazy person
                Location:
                Staffordshire
                Ratings:
                +711
                Happy to report that Nando is now laying lovely eggs every morning with the others :)
                 
                • Like Like x 3
                • Sarah Giles

                  Sarah Giles Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Feb 18, 2015
                  Messages:
                  318
                  Gender:
                  Female
                  Occupation:
                  Volunteer/crazy person
                  Location:
                  Staffordshire
                  Ratings:
                  +711
                  They've also just moved on to smallholder free range pellets :)
                   
                  • Like Like x 3
                  • Lolimac

                    Lolimac Guest

                    Ratings:
                    +0
                    Brilliant Sarah:dbgrtmb: Nice one Nando:chicken::yay::dbgrtmb:
                     
                    • Like Like x 1
                    • Agree Agree x 1

                    Share This Page

                    1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                      By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                      Dismiss Notice