Chicken bald back

[Ophelia]

Hello

 

I am new to keeping chickens and just picked up my four lovely girls on Saturday from BHWT. So far they are doing well and have all been laying eggs. On Saturday only one ventured out of the eglu into the run but now as soon as I open the door in the morning they are rushing out to start feeding.

 

On Sunday and Monday I had to physically put them back in the eglu when it was dark but now they are taking themselves off to bed.

 

 

I want to make sure that I look after them properly I have a few questions.

 

As they are a little bald in places will they be warm enough over the winter?

 

How much should they be eating? I am feeding them ex-batt layers mash and they are eating it but I am not sure if they are eating enough.

 

If I leave them out of the run to free range around the garden will they take themselves home at bedtime or will I need to round them up?

 

Thank you

[Egluntyne]

I would make sure that they are securely in their run before dusk, as they don't see well when the light drops below a certain level, and might not make it home in time. Also, there is the ever present danger of foxes, and twilight is a danger time.

 

If they are free ranging, they will eat less in the way of pellets or mash than if they confined to the run. The usual guesstimate for food quantities for a laying hen is 120g per day.

 

They will be warm enough. Four of them will generate a surprising amount of heat. No need to worry there.

 

Welcome to the forum.

[Ophelia]

Thanks for your help.

[skye]

Hi Ophelia

 

Welcome to the forum too!

 

Really glad to hear your ex-batts are settling in well. I'm sure they will be warm enough in the eglu together unless they are completely bald. Freezing weather isn't forecast for the next week or two at least.

 

We are getting some ex-barn hens from the BHWT on Saturday. Can I ask what sort of bedding you're using inside the eglu for yours? I understand it's best to take the roosting bars out while they get their strength up? I'm just wondering whether I should maybe put an inch or two of aubiose, topped with a bed of straw.

 

Any suggestions gratefully received from other wise heads too.

 

Good luck with your Ex-batts! Pics pls Ophelia!

 

Skye x

[JS1]

I'm finding my way with new ex-batts too (three arrived on Sunday ).

They are finding their way to bed in the Eglu at night (had to pop them in the first two nights) and up in the morning. They are also losing that shell-shocked look and are eating and drinking (although ignoring the afternoon corn treat ).

 

I didn't remove the roosting bars and have noticed that either one or two has been roosting, while one or two snuggle up in the nesting box (which is filled with Aubiose).

 

I can tell they are getting more confident as they have kicked the rubber egg I'd (hopefully) placed in the nesting box, out of the Eglu! They are walking much better too, and their combs are going red. They're also having the sense to get themselves out of this awful weather when it's really bad, so they're clever girls, really.

 

Good luck with your new girls, Ophelia, and Skye when you get them - so far mine have persuaded at least one caller never to buy battery eggs/chicken again. Mine aren't in too bad a state at all, but I think it's the contrast to our happy and bouncy original hybrids.

 

Oh - and well done on the eggs, Ophelia - not a whisper of one from mine yet