littleredhen Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 We are going to get some chickens this spring, probably about 6-8. We have never kept chickens before but can't wait to get started. I would really like to get some ex-battery hens but don't know whether we should get some hybrids first to get some experience in case the ex-batts have any health problems etc. My only worry is that if we get some hybrids first and then get the ex-batts later would they be picked on by the others due to their somewhat scraggy appearance. Or would it be best to get them first so that they were already top of the pecking order if you know what I mean. Sorry this is a bit confused but I just want to get it right and I am full of questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 I don't have any experience with ex battery hens, but my friend does. Many one here will give you advise i'm sure. I personally would get the ex batts first, let them feather up and then think about getting some hybrids. The pecking order will change when the hybrids arrive, but it will hopefully be as painless as possible if you keep them separated for a little while. With ex battery hens it really is the luck of the draw. Some are very hardy and need little help, while others might need nursing back to health. Good luck with whatever you decide! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 I was worried too about getting ex-batts as my first hens, so decided to get some hybrids from Omlet when I bought my cube. However, now that I feel a bit more confident, I am definitely going to put my name down for some ex-batts. There are quite a few people on the forum who have had ex-batts as their first hens, and I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Battery Hens are great for starters. I introduced 2 ex-batts to my establihes 2 hybrids and it all went well, a bit of s"Ooops, word censored!"ping for 3-4 days then nothing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonie Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 I've got it all to come, so I shall let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 ex batts were our first ever chickens, I'm at home all day at the moment, to keep a watchful eye on them though. Luckily, our girls have all been fine but if you're going to get ex batts, I think you need to be around to keep an eye on them for the first few weeks. there's always people on here ready to give you advice so don't be afraid to get some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 I think it depends on the state of the rescue birds. There is no way I could have put my 4 rescue girls in with the established 4, as they were just too weak they couldn't have stood up for themselves at all. I was able to keep a close eye on them for the first couple of weeks, and by then they were fine It did take at least 3 months before I let them integrate while freeranging in the garden. You will love having some rescue girls and watching them become real chooks Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 It depends how confident you are with chickens really. My first hens were ex-battery hens and I haven't regretted it for one moment. In fact I think I will always have ex-bats now as I love my girls to bits. Before I got them I learnt as much as I could about them, this forum is great for that! As long as you understand that they have had a different life to other chickens and so may need some tlc to begin with then I think you'd make a fantastic mum. I'm lucky in that my 3 girls haven't had too many problems. There were a few soft shelled eggs earlier in the year and then they all stopped laying in the summer. I've only had to take one chicken to the vets so far and after a dose of Baytril she was fine. I can't comment on introducing chickens to each other as I haven't done that myself but i'm sure you'll be getting lots of advice from other forum users. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Ex-battery girls were my first chickens and now i have 8 of them If you are getting them in the spring and have the time and energy to dedicate to them in case they need nursing i would go for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovemychooks Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 I would highly recommend ex-batts......they are the funniest chickens I ever had and very loveable and very talkative !! Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Same here, 5 ex-batts as our first and the sight of them chasing my 3 year old boy down the garden on Sunday made me laugh for a long time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleredhen Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Thank you everybody for your advice, I think we will go for the ex-batts first. I am at home during the day so I have got time to spend with them and help them adjust to life in the big wide world. We have just ordered our house and run and they will be delivered on 9th March, I can't wait, I am more excited than the kids! Sad I know. : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Thank you everybody for your advice, I think we will go for the ex-batts first. I am at home during the day so I have got time to spend with them and help them adjust to life in the big wide world. We have just ordered our house and run and they will be delivered on 9th March, I can't wait, I am more excited than the kids! Sad I know. : eggcellent choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
