4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[kellygreaseball]

Hia Everyone!

 

We are collecting 3 battery hens on Saturday, and we need to be sure we have everything ready for them! Thats why we need your help!

 

Has anyone got any advise on settling the new girls in?

[*mummy_hen*]

Just wanted to say hello as i am homing 4 battery hens on the 23rd and can't wait for them to arrive!!

 

I think we have sorted everything out for them now and the house and run is nearly finished so just waiting for them to put in there now!!

[Suzie]

Most battery hens are fed on layers mash not pellets so they'll need a week or 2 supply of mash if you normally feed them pellets. We mixed the mash in with the pellets to get them used to it and a week on they are guzzling pellets quite happily. You'll also need free time - chicken watching uses up loads of it

 

I love watching mine grow and discover new things. Their feathers are growing back already and their combs shrinking. We kept them in their eglu run for about 5 days to get them used to their new home and let them free range for the first time properly this weekend as we weren't around much last week.

 

It's the best thing i've done for ages. I love the chickens - the eggs are just a bonus!

 

Sorry not much advice on settling them in though!

[SLK69]

Just a big heart full of love

 

I bought just about every product under the sun

layers mash

pellets

poultry spice

red mite powder

pro-biotic supplement for water

extra lime flour (calcium) for dry food

bokashi bran

poultry grit

purple cube + extentesion + 4 rain wind buffer things

heavy ceramic dog bowls (for extra feeding stations)

 

and don't forget a smention 'free time' the laundry is pilled high, ditto the dishes - but me and my chooks are chilled.

 

Susie

[Chickybaby]

It really depends how strong they are when you get them. I have had 2 batches of ex-bats, the first being weaker than my recent additions. With my first 3 I got them home and put them straight in the run, with the intention of leaving them for a few weeks till I let them free range. Being impatient I only lasted a few hours though! As soon as they were out it didn't take them long to start scratching around etc. I recently got 2 more and couldn't even wait for a few hours, I put them straight in the garden with my other chucks and just left them to it, while keeping a close eye on them of course. Don't be surprised if they just stand in one position for a while, that's all they've been doing in those horrible cramped cages so they have no idea what it feels like to actually have space to walk around in. Just make sure they find the food and water and then all you really need to do is sit back and watch them....be prepared to spend hours doing just that! To be honest they look after themselves so try not to worry...although that's easier said than done!

[cathybc]

One thing I would do is collect them in large cardboard boxes. My instructions said cardboard boxes or cat carriers. I used large cat carriers, Adele got them in OK but it was quite hard getting the girls out. So, I would definitely use boxes with lids, or carriers that open fully at the top