baublegirl Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 My 3 ex-batts came home this morning. It was so so lovely to see them coming out in the new run, stretching their legs and wings and starting to peck about. So far they're called Doris (my son Finn's one), Jessie (my son Max's one) and Delilah (my one!). Doris is definitely in charge at the moment, and is guarding the grub a bit, but I just put a little bit of corn down and now they're all happily occupied digging that up. Only Jessie has ventured into the eglu so far, but hopefully they'll all realise that is home at bedtime. I've put straw in the eglu - in the nest box but also all around as it's quite cold. Should I take this out? Could it be putting them off? Will post some pics up as soon as I can. Oh - and my cats are fascinated! And have been trying to get in... I'm a bit concerned as one of them is an excellent hunter and regularly brings home pigeons.. and these aren't that much bigger. Do you think they'll learn to get on Ok? Am so excited to now be a hen mum, and to have these lovely girls home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Oh - and my cats are fascinated! And have been trying to get in... I'm a bit concerned as one of them is an excellent hunter and regularly brings home pigeons.. and these aren't that much bigger. Do you think they'll learn to get on Ok? Am so excited to now be a hen mum, and to have these lovely girls home Fantastic news! It is really exciting to get your first chickens. Re cats. We have three, but one is quite elderly and the other is scared of everything, including the chickens. Our youngest, Ozzy, was fascinated. He is a good hunter. When they were first out free-ranging, he nipped out of the cat flap, thought "Ah...dinner!" and started stalking them. We needn't have worried. Megan just ran at him with her beak down and wings flapping and he ran away as fast as he could! Dinner isn't supposed to fight back! He is now scared of them, and looks both ways whenever he goes out of the cat flap in case the chickens are around. Squeaky (the scared one) walks all round the perimeter of the garden rather than run the gauntlet. Willoughby has learning difficulties, and is now a bit senile too, so I don't actually think it has registered with him that there are chickens here. He sits on one of the garden chairs while the chickens perch on the back. He seems oblivious to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Well done for rescuing them It might be an idea to get some wood shavings or aubiose/hemcore for the eglu, rather than straw - straw can harbour mites, but I do use it on the foor of my wooden coop. It might take them a few days to settle down - its probably the first time they've been outside, seen grass, seen the sky and they'll be weak too. Photos please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Great to hear that another three ex-batts have gone to such a good home and it sounds like they're being very brave already. My ex-batts bully my cats, who all slink away and hope no one was looking, except Loki who still tries to get them to play chase with him . A quick peck on the nose usually reminds him he's no longer boss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prof Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 hi, you neednt worry about your cats. i have 3, and after stalking about and generally pouncing on the hens, the hens will retaliate and give the cat/s a fright mine, however still insist on roosting in the eglu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Congratulations on the rescue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 Any pics??? congrats on your new ladies... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 My ex batts pick on my cat He's petrified of all my girls though, but he'll run and hide under a bush if the ex batts approach him Well done on rescuing your girls, they are so rewarding I echo that we need pictures though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suebee Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 So glad they seem to be settling in so well already. Keep us posted, and .... pics please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baublegirl Posted January 23, 2010 Author Share Posted January 23, 2010 Thanks everyone Will do pics when I can get the camera sorted out. Just hope they have a good night tucked up in their new - will all be a bit different for themI suppose! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
