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[WildeWoman]

Although I have kept chucks and ducks for some time now, I've never had an ex-battery hen, but have agreed to adopt one with an Eglu that I am collecting tomorrow. Two questions really, what are their special needs, if any and do they die earlier than 'normal' chickens that haven't experienced the same stress? I thought it would be nice to get a few more ex-batts, but if I am honest it will really upset the kids (and me!!) if they are dying off that quickly??

 

Any thoughts?

[Egluntyne]

There is lots of info on the **BHWT site** about caring for ex-batts, but I would say that you shouldn't put them straight in with the other hens as they need a period of quarantine and chance to recover and build up strength. Even if they look reasonably well feathered, they will have weak bones and poor muscles to start with, and will struggle with the rough and tumble that goes with an addition to the flock.

 

tbh I'd suggest that you take more than one ex batt, as introducing a solitary hen to an established group can be a tricky business.

 

Some tips about managing intros**here**

 

It is recommended that you give them layers mash to eat rather than pellets, as they have only had mash in the battery house. There is an Ex-batt feed available, but I always gave mine ordinary mash and a good tonic such as lifeguard.

 

I would keep them in the Eglu and run for a few days to acclimatise, and then let them do a bit of supervised free ranging away from the others after that.

 

Good luck.

[WildeWoman]

Thanks for the information - hadn't considered the mash as opposed to regular pellets I must admit. I was planning to pick up a couple more ex-batts and keep them all separately and then introduce them collectively as a new group to try and avoid conflict - just managed to get hold of another Eglu and trying to pick up a third so I can contain them in their own runs whilst they can still see each other. Many thanks for tghe advice - will also refer to the BHWT website.