betty Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Have been considering taking in some ex bats for some time but until recently there didn't seem to be any rescues nearby. We now have a BHWT co-ordinater in our area and the first rescue date is at the end of February (and there are still hens available). We have a short break planned for the end of March and my question (to those of you with experience of looking after rescue hens) is do think a month is long enough for them to have settled in so they could be left for a couple of days? Your advice would be much appreciated. We are quite happy to wait get them later in the year if this would be best. kind regards Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 do think a month is long enough for them to have settled in so they could be left for a couple of days? Yes. Go for it. You will see a huge difference in them in just the one month, and should be absolutely fine being left for a couple of days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkmagic Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 You will see a difference after only a couple of days even! Our 2 ex-batts have been with us for just under 3 weeks now and apart from their rather bald necks you would never guess their previous lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Definitely! We got ours last saturday and are going away for a weekend in3 weeks time. They are already behaving more like normal chickens and as long as they are safe will be as right as rain with food and water. They are a joy, do enjoy them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Me and OH were commenting this morning what a difference in our ex batts and we haven't had them a week yet! They willl be fine left for a couple of days after that length of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 They will be fine to be left for a couple of days and by then will be perfectly capable of making you feel very guilty when you get back - they learn very quickly! Don't forget to post piccies of your lucky little hens when they arrive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One_Box Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 definitely go for it I've had my two ex-batts for 2 weeks tomorrow. Today they are free-ranging with my other three hens and holding their own nicely They are tough little things - just think what they have gone through in the last year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 I've had mine 2 weeks too, and they keep getting in with my other girls despite my best efforts to keep them segregated. They have got plenty of confidence, it's just feathers they're short of! I'd say it would be fine to leave them, as long as you've made provision for food & water to be available - maybe a nice neighbour to pop in and put your mind at rest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty Posted February 20, 2009 Author Share Posted February 20, 2009 Thank you for your encouraging comments - we are due to collect them (x 3) on Saturday 28th February. If anyone lives in or around Cambridge Alan's Ark (Fulbourn) have ordered me a bag of the Allen & Page ex-bat feed. I haven't picked it up yet, but I'm really impressed by their customer service. I sent an email enquiry yesterday, there was a phone message waiting when I got home, and after a call this morning the order was placed. Now, about the names ........ Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
