dancing cloud Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Great news alih and one_box! Bet you're both really excited (and good to know yet more lucky hens are heading for lovely retirement homes). As I'm typing this, my six are out on the lawn enjoying a bit of winter sunshine before bed - don't think they'd see anything but positives in adopting ex-batts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Ahhh, I can just imagine them. Good luck to all those gong tomorrow..look forward to lots of piccies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I have only had my ex-batts for six days, but so far I can only think of pros. For one thing, they lay eggs! Every day! My other hens are useless: the three hybrids have stopped laying, and the pure breeds are taking the winter off. They are much healthier than I imagined they would be. Luck is probably involved; but there is no guarantee with any hen that it is going to be fit and healthy. I would say, however, that you need a separate run for them to start off with: they just don't understand hen life and need to acclimatize. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One_Box Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 All ready to go Cat baskets already strapped into the car and spare hen house sparkling and ready for action I'm so looking forward to getting my two ex-batts tomorrow, they will get LOTS of TLC. Hope everything goes to plan and its not too cold over the next few days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hope it goes well - look forward to the details and hearing how they adapt ( and how your old girls adapt!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One_Box Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks, intend to introduce them gradually over a period of a month depending on the health/condition of the new girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hello Ali, have just noticed this thread. Our retired ladies arrived last June and apart from accidents which couldn't have been foreseen we have had no problems at all. Their laying has been inconsistent but I think that has been due to external factors (mink & dog) and not them. The satisfaction gained by seeing them develop into fully feathered birds which do "chickeny things" has been enormous. They are feisty little madams which never fail to bring a smile to my face. Allison awww... your chooks sound lovely. I have 3 chickens but no ex batts as they are harder to look after... well done for giving it a go! Maybe you could feed your chooks bokashi bran - it really helps chickens lay consistently! 3 chooks: Hazel Chestnut Ranger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 1, 2009 Author Share Posted February 1, 2009 so how did everyone get on yesterday? Am dying to see pictures and hear how they all survived the cold? hope wll are ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackgold Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I cant think of any cons when it comes to exbatts......Mine are perfect, even if they all trooped into the kitchen today and somebody pooed on the floor.....I get 4 eggs most days. I keep telling them not too. i have a fridge full of eggs. i have a spare eglu if you need to borrow one. I live in cheadle hulme in cheshire.I am going to get some more chooks later on in the year but i would like to actually rescue them from the cage myself if it is posible. Love Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 1, 2009 Author Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thank you Sue for the eglu offer - in fact I borrowed one from Egluntine yesterday and it's all set up ready for action next week. But it's nice to know there are nearby Omleteers - I am down near the airport so not far at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ems Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I only picked up 2 ex bats, I told them that I really didnt think I would have room for three. So between my friend an I, we ordered 4 and had two each! Will be nice to see how both sets do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 I think ex batts are great and it is fantastic to see them develop but I got 3 and 2 of them developed peritonitis and after treatment have since gone to chicken heaven. I have only one left. I got mine in November 07, and the 2nd was PTS 2 weeks ago, so I guess that is probably average innings for ex batts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Having got my ex batts on Saturday, and then losing one on the following day, I speak from experience when I say that you have to be prepared for the sad possibility that they may not survive for long. This is not only very upsetting, but may also incur unexpected expenses at the vets, which you also need to keep in mind. However, I would not let that put me off doing it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Oh my goodness Barkisland, how awful to lose one so quickly. That makes me wonder whether I shouldn't get 3, as introducing 1 to 3 would be hard. Poor you. how did it happen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Oh my goodness Barkisland, how awful to lose one so quickly. That makes me wonder whether I shouldn't get 3, as introducing 1 to 3 would be hard. Poor you. how did it happen? Yes, it's very sad Thread here ali viewtopic.php?f=5&t=38532 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Just caught up - how sad. But can only echo what others have said about it being good for her that she was somewhere where she was cared for and not in a cage. chin up, and hope the others are in good spirits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
