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

[Janey4]

......and I am obsessed already!!

 

We picked them up on Friday afternoon and although I had prepared myself for them looking bad, I was very shocked at how pale their combs and faces were and what a state their feathers were in and that there are parts on their backs and tummies that have no feathers at all. Their beaks are twisted from being clipped and their claws were very long.

We put them away with some water and they just stood rooted to the spot for an hour or so but gradually started moving about and we put some mash in for them and once one had eaten they all followed, apart from one who was very hunched up and just stood at the back which we were a little bit worried about.

 

On Saturday morning, we all jumped up before 7 to go and see the girls and all sat with our cups of tea in our dressing gowns on what have become ‘the chicken watching seats’ and one laid and egg right in front of us! Wasn’t sure who it was, as we couldn’t tell 3 of them apart at first, but what a treat for our first morning as chicken owners!

Quiet chicken, Ruby, was sitting in the nest box and didn’t want to come out for food, so my mum go her out and blocked off the hole and she perked up and had something to eat and a drink –think it must have all been a bit too much for her on the Friday.

We left them pottering about in their hutch/coop all day and they started using the perch and just generally becoming more active and inquisitive.

I was going out but didn’t want to –just wanted to watch the gilrs!!

 

Yesterday, we let them out, while we supervised and although they were very unsure at first, I was surprised how brave they quickly became! My mum and I spent ages digging up worms for them, which they all were rather excited about and a couple went back into the coop and had dust bathes in the shavings –they looked so pleased with themselves!

 

Their personalities are already coming through and the names which we had chosen went out of the window and we have ended up with very random, but fitting names for the girls!

 

Naomi –The boss! Very much of a diva, always wants her own way and with a bad attitude! (Can you guess who we named her after!!?......just glad she hasn’t got a mobile phone!!)

Ruby – With the reddest comb! Very quiet and quite shy and likes to keep herself to herself.

Mary-Kate and Ashley AKA The Olsen Twins – These two stick together! Ashley is quite a brave little girl and sticks up for herself more than the others, when Naomi comes causing trouble and Mary-Kate is probably the poorest looking hen and the smallest, but that doesn’t seem to stop her!!

 

I am soooo pleased with them. We have had 5 eggs already and hours of fun, just cant wait till they an be proper free rangers and they are looking healthy and getting their feathers back.

 

Was so pleased to see all the other people at the BHWT rescue on friday too, (there was a BIG queue!) all looking pleased with themselves and everyone knowing that everyone trhere was doing something good for these poor little hens.

[theherd123]

Many congratulations!

 

You sound so pleased and the chookies have fallen on their feet having an owner like you

[dancing cloud]

Welcome to the ex-batt's fan club

 

And let's hear it for BHWT, without whom ...

[Janey4]

And let's hear it for BHWT, without whom ...

 

Here here!!

Am seriously considering volunteering for themin the near future -not sure what I could do for them, but I really would like to help them with all they do for these poor hens!

[Egluntyne]

Congratulations. You will get a real buzz from watching them rehabilitate.

[Rhapsody]

Ex-batts are fab arent they? Well done you!

[Muppet81]

Hi Janey4,

 

I was one of the volunteers on the day. So nice to hear that you are enjoying them so much and thanks for taking them. Lucky girls

[mrsallen08]

Hiya

Well done you! Sounds like you are hooked all ready! We rehomed some ex-batts on Saturday that have been free for 6 weeks now. I was expecting swollen combs, no feathers etc but all are looking remarkably well, good feather growth, steady on feet and much smaller combs and wattles than what I have seen on other exbatts! Just goes to show what a difference only 6 weeks of free ranging can do to hen!

(I think they have become a bit more stubborn now free range though, as they have not laid any eggs for me yet! )

 

Good luck!

[Janey4]

Hi Janey4,

 

I was one of the volunteers on the day. So nice to hear that you are enjoying them so much and thanks for taking them. Lucky girls

 

No, thank you!!

Cant belive how long you can spend just watching them...............we have done nothing all weekend but sit on the 'chicken watching seats!'

 

Im getting regular updates via text off my sister along the lines of 'Naomi Campbell has just been out on her own....................and then she went back in again!' and 'Mary-Kate just laid an egg!!!!!'

They are fab!!!