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[kaylis1980]

ok so i definatly want to get 3 BHWT hens, but i would also like to get 3 from a breeder that *should* be better layers than the retired girlies. i would like to get them all the same day/weekend if i can- but is this a good idea as the bhwt will obvioulsy be in a bit of a sorry state- can they still hold their own, between regular healthy chickens with pecking order being established etc???

 

any advice i would appreciate it.

[HENthusiastic]

HI.

The usual advice is that the ex-battery girls need to be kept in separate quarters until they get a bit of strength. Otherwise they won't fare very well in any of the squabbles they will have to sort out a pecking order.

I have 3 hens from a breeder and 3 from BHWT. I kept mine in a separate house and run for a week, (they could all see each other). then I let them all free range together for the next week. This weekend I'm going to put them all in the big coop together. While its true that the Exbattery girls may be weaker, in my experience they are also more fiesty as they are used to more fighting. So I do wonder if that kind of equals them out. I also think a lot can depend on the condition of the birds from BHWT as I understand mine were in relatively good condition for ex battery girls.

Good luck with it.

[Suzie]

I don't know if there is any particular reason why you shouldn't do this (quite new to chicken keeping ) but personally i'd get the ex-batts first and let them settle in (someone with more knowledge than me will probably have a different opinion). Unless you have somewhere you can keep the two sets of chickens seperate for a bit.

 

When we lost our first 2 wanted to get a mixture. 3 ex-batts (there is normally a minimum of 3) and 3 new young Point of Lay hens. I decided though being new to all this that I wanted to make sure that the ex-batts were settled before introducing them to some new chickens. Ex-batts need more attention than others. Ex-batts are normally about 1yr - 18months old when you get them, and I imagine your breeders hens will be at POL (anything from about 18-24 weeks roughly) and could actually be bullied by the ex-batts who might be used to fighting for their food.

 

However saying all that i'm sure someone on here will have experience of doing exactly what you'd like to do with no problems!

 

Just to add that ex-batts are a joy to have - they progress and grow each day and are getting more and more adventurous (and cheeky). We've had on average 2 eggs a day everyday from ours for the last two weeks since we got them.

[kaylis1980]

While its true that the Exbattery girls may be weaker, in my experience they are also more fiesty as they are used to more fighting.

 

does this mean they arent as suited for having around children?? i hadnt even thought of that!!

[Egluntyne]

A period of quarantine and rest and recovery is a good idea for the ex-bats. Their muscles tend to be very weak, they are in poos shape featjrwise, and they may be infested with redmite, which you don't want to pass on to any other hens.

 

Personally I would wait a couple of months at least before you get any other hens, unless you have got alternative accommodation.

 

I can't see any probs with the ex-batts around childen...just apply the usual sensible precautions about not chasing, grabbing or squeezing them.