smanners Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I can't believe that after just 2 weeks my new ex batts are really embracing chicken life They are dust bathing, already sharing treats and free ranging with the other girls with surprisingly little disorder as yet! Today they played football with an apple and fought with the others for grapes They have even learnt to peck at the patio doors for attention and treats For those Omleteers debating whetheror not to rescue ex batts I can certainly recommend it It's extemely rewarding . Hop, Skip and Jump learning to dust bathe Hop, and Jump enjoying freedom The other girls modelling free ranging after they had just dug up my snow drop bulbs (Helenmb Helen is the ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbigailGrace Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Aww.. They are lovely girls.. We were thinking of getting some but the distance is quite far to a branch.. So our new hens are coming tomorrow! SUNDAY! Yay.. I can't wait.. I'm so very glad they are fitting in.. I hope they have many happy times with you.. Abigail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 It is very rewarding to see them become part of the flock and feathering up. Great names you have chosen for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Lovely pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 They are the best! gosh yours are in beter nick than my poor girls! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Lovely photo's! They look really healthy & content! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Here are a couple more! All the girls together eating what's left of my garden! Hop enjoying freedom! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Awww, its nice to see them in the open. they are lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Helenmb Helen is the ) Thanks smanners I've been wondering what my namesake looked like thanks for letting me know. The ex-batts look very well don't they, they must like their new abode , great names too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 hi, lovely girls, well done for giving them a new life Is that Laurel in their run? I don't want to panic you but I read that laurel was toxic to chickens. We had one but cut it down before the girls came, just in case. http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Thanks for the warning Poet, it's actually a camelia bush and to be honest I worried that they would peck the buds of it. But in fact they shelter under it, dig their dust baths under it but so far they have ignored the leaves and buds I was a bit worried about the lilac tree which sheds a few leaves into their run but all they have done is scratch around in them My next concern is the neighbours labernum tree which drops its seeds pods into our garden It's a huge tree and drops loads of flowers and pods during May/ June time.I would be unable to cut it back as it is in their garden and about 20ft high! I guess I'm hoping the girls will realise its bad for them They seem to be pretty canny about these things. Does anyone else have experience of this? Would welcome advice please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Lovely girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Great photos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 My next concern is the neighbours labernum tree which drops its seeds pods into our garden It's a huge tree and drops loads of flowers and pods during May/ June time.I would be unable to cut it back as it is in their garden and about 20ft high! I guess I'm hoping the girls will realise its bad for them They seem to be pretty canny about these things. Does anyone else have experience of this? Would welcome advice please. I have two laburnum trees in my garden and they drop pods and seeds everywhere. They are my favourite trees and it would break my heart to chop them down. Fingers crossed the chickens have ignored them, they seem to 'know' what to eat and what to ignore. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanners Posted January 19, 2009 Author Share Posted January 19, 2009 Thanks Tessa, That is reassuring. They are stunning trees and it is is a beautiful specimen but the seed pods, flowers and leaves even find their way into our kitchen I used to worry a lot when the children were young but TBH I've never had a problem. Just hope the girls are as sensible as the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
