pasq Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi All -In the next couple of months i'd like to introduce a battery hen in my eglu. I currently have 2 others in there. I live in Northamptonshire -any suggestions where to start? Would be nice if there is a local place? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Pasq, there are BHWT rescue centres all round the country and you can find the one nearest to you by going to http://www.thehenshouse.co.uk. The other thing to do would be to PM Buffie (on holiday at the moment) as she works closely with Jane Howarth and will be able to help you. You mention that you currently have other hens in your Eglu - do you have some alternative accommodation that you could use for the ex-battery hens while they recover enough to be introduced to your current flock? They will need somewhere warm and sheltered for around a couple of months before you can attempt any introductions. This is partly because they are often frail and vulnerable, but also because theya re unused to being free (poor things) and one shock at a time is enough for them. Sometimes rescue hens might be poorly or have little travellers, so it's best to keep them isolated for a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pasq Posted January 24, 2007 Author Share Posted January 24, 2007 Hi Pasq, there are BHWT rescue centres all round the country and you can find the one nearest to you by going to http://www.thehenshouse.co.uk. The other thing to do would be to PM Buffie (on holiday at the moment) as she works closely with Jane Howarth and will be able to help you. You mention that you currently have other hens in your Eglu - do you have some alternative accommodation that you could use for the ex-battery hens while they recover enough to be introduced to your current flock? They will need somewhere warm and sheltered for around a couple of months before you can attempt any introductions. This is partly because they are often frail and vulnerable, but also because theya re unused to being free (poor things) and one shock at a time is enough for them. Sometimes rescue hens might be poorly or have little travellers, so it's best to keep them isolated for a bit. Many thanks for the website details Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 You're most welcome. Jane Howarth knows us well, so do mention Omlet to her - she has a pink eglu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 I agree with Clare, battery hens do need a bit of tlc and separation from existing hens to start with, because they won't be as confident, and probably not as strong as your current girls, and would be unlikely to cope well with any hen-pecking to begin with. They will have been living in a clean environment, so are likely to have limited immunity to chicken illnesses that they could pick up from your other hens or the outside environment, and also could be harbouring red mite or lice that they could pass on to your other girls. I'm not saying this to put you off, ex batts are lovely birds with great personalities, and I'd recommend to anyone that they consider giving a home to some of these lovely girls, but they do need some extra care and attention in the early days. Also I'd never recommend just getting one. They are sociable creatures and need companionship. Unfortunately, whilst they do integrate beautifully with an existing flock it does take time and whilst you're waiting for them to become strong enough and established enough in their new home to start introductions they will want company. I believe that Jane Howarth always recommends that adopters consider taking at least 3 birds. Good luck with the plans though. I do hope that you are able to adopt some ex batts soon, I'm sure that you'd give some lucky girls a brilliant retirement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Hi there. All the best advice has been given It is quite right that you need to adopt at least 3. We don't have any coordinators in Northamptonshire but you may travel a little further to collect. You do need to keep them seperated for a few weeks and would need to go through the adoption process with a coordinator. Lots of info on the website and don't let this put you off, just need to consider if this is right for you at this moment in time. Good luck BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
