BeckyBoo Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well, as barn dancers they were going to be called barn dancer type names, but the children had other ideas, so we have Miley, Lilly, Dolly Duke and George (small boys idea ) They came out of their barn this morning and I was told they could be in better condition than our old ex-batts. Well, they're not. They're in terrible condition. I don't know how a farmer can face the "rescuers" and not hang his head in shame. Bald, terrified, enormous overgrown combs that flop to one side. But anyway, they're here now and as there are apparently an extra 100 that don't have homes yet I'm thinking of going back for 2 more. They're still out even though it's dark but as they're actively eating and drinking and seemed very hungry I'm giving them an extra half hour before I put them away - they'll bnot be used to evenings and dark from the barns I guess. They're already been eating corn, found the mash and the water and stared incredulously at an overhead plane! George also turns out to be the gobby one and shouted relentlessly at my poor cat, who is SO used to being treated with contempt by the hens that he looked very confused!! Here's Lilly - first out, first making a mess with the mash! Here's George - the gobby one! And four featherless bottoms! Miley actually looks quite young as she has a very small comb and Dolly is well feathered and also looks in quite good condition and younger than the first two. We're SO happy to have them!! BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ness3103 Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 awww bless them, it must be so confusing and scary for them. well done for rescuing them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well I can't tell the difference between a battery hen and a barn one either Good on you Becky...if I had a spare house I'd come along with you & get some too I hope these newbies distract you and your little one from your poorly bugs & you get well soon {{{hugs}}} to you all.and the bemused pusscat !! Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well done Becky and I'm glad that you posted these pics...just proves barn hens are living in conditions no better than battery hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well done for rescuing them. They should recover nicely in your care. Did you get an extra eglu escpecially for them ??!! I thought that you were waiting for spring - or am I confusing you with someone else ?? ENJOY, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Good on you Becky...if I had a spare house I'd come along with you & get some too Sha x What about the little wooden number!? Well done Becky!! They are lucky lucky hens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 Lydia very kindly leant us a green Eglu so they're starting life in comfort! As we have clear skies here and two are particularly bald I've shut but not locked the door shut. They took themselves to bed all on their own which I was very impressed with BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well done for rescuing them. At least they have a good home now and will get lots of TLC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Oh bless the poor little things! At least now they will get love and care. Fantastic that you could help these little hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 (edited) Ooh Becky, well done you. I'm just shocked at their condition. Nope, I can't tell them apart from ex-Batts either Becky, do you mind if I ask where did you get them from? We're not far from you and would love to get 2 (or 3!!) asap, as it's now been 8 days since our Penny died and we don't want the two hooligans to get used to being a pair!!! And I've nearly finished knitting my first CardigHen in preparation! Thank you Edited November 15, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 They will soon settle in and get into good condition. I was appalled when I found out that the barn hens are allowed a stocking density of 9 hens per 1 metre squared. Particularly when the advice we share on the forum is 1 metre squared per hen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well done for rescuing them I'm sure they'll have much better lives with you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well thanks for the education Becky Boo & Space Chick. We used to buy barn eggs when we couldn't get free-range before we had chickens because we thought they had a better quality lif Well done for rescuing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well thanks for the education Becky Boo & Space Chick. We used to buy barn eggs when we couldn't get free-range before we had chickens because we thought they had a better quality lif Well done for rescuing them. Yes I didn't expect them to look quite this bad either. I always thought of barn as better than cage and I suppose it kind of is, but they've still never seen daylight, which I knew, I just didn't expect them to be so bald! And Tutti Frutti (love the name btw) they're through the Battery Hen Welfare Trust. I can pm you the lady's e mail address if you like - they had 150 left over as the farmer sprung an extra 100 on them at no notice and of course they just took them. I picked them up from just outside Guildford BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 And Tutti Frutti (love the name btw) Why thanks Can you tell, I love the sweets - although I may be showing my age here as I don't know if you can still get them! I can pm you the lady's e mail address if you like Ooh yes please!!! Frantically knitting here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 pm sent Tutti Frutti! BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Just back from my wanderings in England and checking you all out. I am flabbergasted that Barn hens should be in such an awful state. Well done for saving them, I hope you get the others soon. I am wishing that we had a system here in Tenerife to rescue hens. I must look into what happens to the poor darlings. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I agree with Chicken Shirl - had to show OH the photos. Disgraceful way to treat animals. Now I am cross (really, biting tongue cross). So glad you rescued them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Oh, the poor, sweet things! So happy you have given them a lovely new home They will come on in leaps and bounds now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well done for rescuing them. They are in far worse condition than my recent 4 rescued battery girls, which is a surprise. They will thrive with you in charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Congratulations and well done . Poor girls, I'm sure they'll thrive under your tlc . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Well I am not surprised that barn hens come out in poor condition, but your photos really have me shocked. Your poor girls are in FAR worse condition than my batties were when they were rescued. At least with your love and care they will lead a happy life from now on. Well done you for giving these lovely girls a second chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 sorry to shock you all some more but some FREERANGE are coming out looking like this and worse. It all just beggars belief! Becki, did you get from Tracy? Well done, maybe I can visit you next weekend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Becky, I'm shocked too and feeling dreadful now as I have on occassion bought Willow Farm chickens from T****'s. I genuinely thought that barn chickens were well looked after and that pecking etc wasn't an issue. How wrong could I be Thank you so much for taking them, I'm sure they will blossom now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 You & me both A when no FR available ...never again, FR or none from here on.......... Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
