dancing cloud Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 As of yesterday my ex-batt big girls have been out of their cages for 18 months and I couldn't resist the opportunity to share how well they are getting on. Many of you will have seen the photos of them when they first arrived before and they are now nearly all moulting so not looking their very best, but such occasions merit new photos. One of my very earliest posts was to ask about how long ex-batts might live, as I was being told not to get attached to them as they'd all be gone very soon, and I was very grateful for all the encouraging replies. Well, just to annoy all the pessimists, all six have made it to 18 months, so have been free at least as long as they were caged and here they are:- Daisy all thin and cross And now top chook, plump and happy Clover looking bewildered Now number two chook and moulting Chance without a tail The escape artist Dandelion who looked very pathetic Now fully feathered (ish) and a demanding little madam Hope looking miserable Now very contented And Joy who had very few feathers And is now one of the cheekiest chickens ever! Eggs are now increasingly rare, but they are all very happy, healthy, lovely girls who are thoroughly enjoying their retirement - a garden to play in, cats to chase and a human to provide all the love they could need (though never quite enough grapes!). To anyone thinking of offering a home to ex-batts, I can highly recommend them and thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement along the way Daisy just being a chicken! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbier Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Awww, well done. It does make you wonder how they can ever lay any eggs at all in such a state? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 They look great well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 What a happy post. Well done you. You should be very very proud. Who needs eggs anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 GORGEOUS! You've obviously done a fantastic job. How plump and content they look! skye x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
House MD 221B Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 They're beautiful, congratulations, they look wonderful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrambledhead Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Brilliant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dappy Chick Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Here here - I agree - everyone shoud take in an ex-batt or 3 You must be so proud what gorgeous girls they have become Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneyolktoanother Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 fantastic job they are lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Lovely pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 You should be very proud. They look lovely and very happy. Well done you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 How lovely, they look in fantastic condition, the farmers should hang their heads in shame. My new ex-barn girls look like your did at the start, seeing your pictures is just wonderful BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Fabulous congratulations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Just lovely Dancing cloud- ex batts rule, I say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Wow What a difference. They look absolutely great now The pictures show their combs beautifully red and normal sized too - well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pikey Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Brilliants photos!! Only 2 months to go and my two have been out a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisEllis Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 They look great, In school today we watched a video of intensive farming to chickens and what KFC do - and the chickens look far worse than yours did when you got them - they cut their beaks off so they cant peck other hens, and i saw footage of men stamping on chickens, its absolutely disgraceful - i wish it would be possible to save those chickens too :'( Love what you have done, your girls look awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Great to see them looking so happy and healthy I just hope that my ex batt girls (out of the cage 3 months and counting) have as long and lovely a retirement as your girls have. Well done you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Well done . What a transformation . Gorgeous girls . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 I bet I'm not the only one who's read this post though misty eyes What a wonderful record of your girls journey from sad shadows to happy chooks My batties will have been here a year at the end of January, will just have to get them to stay still long enough to take some pics Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickiepiggies Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 They look great, what lovely girls they have turned into. Mine have been free since April this year and are doing fine, i don't get many eggs from them either but i dont care i just love them to bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggquisite Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Oh they look fab! You must be very proud Great pic's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 They look fantastic. I'm wavering so much about rechargeables (that is what DH calls ex-batts). I've had such a rough time recently and I find I cry whenever I look at pictures of these poor girls and don't know if I'm strong enough to go through all the emotions of looking after them. But after seeing your contented chooks, it makes me think I should be helping them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Docsquid - I was apprehensive about taking on Ex Batts too, however, I felt it was my duty, as I have probably unwittingly eaten battery egg products for many a year without realising it (although not any more ) You WILL be strong enough, honestly these girls want to be happy chickens, so will quickly settle into a chickeny routine. I would say that mine were high maintenance for about a fortnight and then they were as easy to care for as my other girls. The only extra concern is having mash and pellets available, as it takes them a while to move over to pellets, you have to wean them over. Go on.... you know you want to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
