keyhole kate Posted October 28, 2011 Share Posted October 28, 2011 whilst buying some layers pellets from my usual supplier I noticed a chickens free to good home on the notice board 1 to 2 years old and laying. Now do I ring ask how many what breeds or should I stick to my plan of replacing my old girls as they depart for pure breeds or littlies. I am a sucker for a sad story every chook I have ever had has been a re homer. Come on guys help me out opinions wanted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted October 28, 2011 Share Posted October 28, 2011 Give them a ring, you can never have too many chickens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Oh if only I had the space and lived closer... 1.Just remember that your first instincts are you usually the right ones 2.If you still feel the same way in the morning 3. would it still leave room for your other plans Glad it is not me ,I want a chicken of fate so that the decision is made for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Sorry to be the voice of doom, but I'd want to know why they are giving them away. One of the reasons we introduced the 'no rehoming' rule on the Forum was that people were adopting hens which turned out to be too old to lay or worse, to be sick. There could be a genuine reason for rehoming, but if you take on a 2 year old hen she may already be past her laying days (depends partly on the breed). I'd find out more and proceed with caution! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I agree totally with Olly, and If you do go ahead, I'd quarantine the newcomers for a minimum of a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Kate I did it and rehomed some for a local lady. They had mega problems with feather pecking and introduced red mite to my previously clean cube (OK, I would probably have got it eventually anyway, but these hens were crawling ). Because they were older (although still only 1 year old) I ended up with my whole flock not laying last christmas and had to buy eggs for the first time in 5 years. They were never in the best of health and I think it affected my whole flock. I have turned a corner now and the situation is back to normal (2 or three new POLs each autumn to supply winter eggs) but I wouldn't do it again. The same lady rang me again a few weeks ago with 4 more 'free' hens - think I must have 'mug' tattooed on my forehead I politely declined! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted October 29, 2011 Author Share Posted October 29, 2011 Thanks everyone this is the text I recieved to my enquiry your opinions please ? "I am looking to get rid of about 7 mostly white legbar and columbian blacktails all egglayers between 1 and 2 years old " I do have spare accomodation all my chooks are ones I have rehomed for a multitude of owners reasons perhaps I have been very lucky as to date they have all been genuinely as advertised and all have been healthy however I don't know anything about either of these breeds or lifespan etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 It looks like they are the standard white leghorn/whitestar and warren/ranger breeds, both good layers of white and brown eggs for the first 2 years. In my experience not long lived at all. Most of mine have lived for 2 - 2 1/2 years only. If you really want to rehome them and have the space to quarentine them, then there is no reason why you shouldn't. You would be giving them a nice retirement at least Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Probably past their egg laying best, but then a load of us rehome ex batts so may not be an issue. However, I agree to let your head rule this one not your heart... It is a risk introducing new chickens from an unknown location.... One of the reasons why I take the logic to hatch myself or only buy from reputable breeders. Personally, in your shoes, I would give it a miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted October 29, 2011 Author Share Posted October 29, 2011 Thanks everyone I think I will resist the urge and stick to my plans I expect to lose some to old age this winter and will buy some newbies in spring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I'd avoid them, you could just be taking on heartache, vets bills, and disease! They could damage your own flock! Best to resist and get new healthy stock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 I wouldn't because I've always been a bit overawed by keeping chickens and have been so pleased at the way its going. I have a happy, healthy little harem and would be scared to rock the boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 If you have room, i don't see why not. But check they are girls (if you want girls!) and i doubt they will pop out many eggs- but might! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted October 31, 2011 Author Share Posted October 31, 2011 Thank you all for your input I decided not to re home any of these girls but I have hopefully offered some suggestions for re homing that ensured they were going to genuine caring homes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I think you've made the right decision. I don't think I could have been nearly so resilient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
