Miss Millies Chicken Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I picked up my ex batts a year ago today from Gordano Services on the M5. I lost one to peritonitis but the remaining two are hale & healthy at the moment fingers crossed. Its been an amazing year watching them change from scared and bewildered on day one. To Brunhilda becoming head chook and Griselda her second in command. They wouldn't win any prizes in the beauty stakes but they have such wonderful characters. I'm surprised at how strong they have grown and considering they wouldn't have had space in the cages to stretch their wings. They certainly know how to to use them now and if any of the hens have flown over the netting into the veg patch, its most likely to be the ex batts Integration was a scary business and took about 3 months before a truce was drawn between the two flocks but watching them all free ranging together today in the sun was wonderful sight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Well done you I'm sure they are beautiful girls if they are that lovely reddy brown. I love your ex-batts names too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Congratulations on your ex batts heniversary Well done for giving them a second chance Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 How lovely for them. My first hens were ex batts they are still, and probably always will be, my favourites. The first one only had 6 months, the second 10 and the third just made it over 12 months. But even one day of natural substance under their feet and daylight is something. You are so right, there is so much pleasure in watching the transformation and they really do win your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Millies Chicken Posted February 17, 2012 Author Share Posted February 17, 2012 Glad you like the names Cheeky Chook. OH reckoned I was asking for trouble naming them after Valkyries. Brunhilda means Brown battle maid, Griselda Grey battle maid and Matilda mighty battle maid. They have certainly lived up to their names especially when I was integrating the two flocks. Perhaps with hindsight I should have named them after flowers. Then they might have been genteel ladies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Awww, lucky girls to have had a wonderful year of freedom Three of my four original girls are still going strong 2 years and 4 months after rescue I feel incredibly lucky to still have them as I know many ex batts don't enjoy such a long retirement. I hope your girls are able to enjoy many more months of freedom with you, ex batts are such special girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny Smedley Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 well done ! I've had ex batts before & they lasted up to 2 yrs but not usually more than that as they are exhausted. It's just great that they have a life now. I've found that they are usually the most friendly as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I picked up my ex batts a year ago today from Gordano Services on the M5. I lost one to peritonitis but the remaining two are hale & healthy at the moment fingers crossed. yay - thats great BUT we need photos PLEASE!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 woo hooo a milestone x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Millies Chicken Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 Ok so you wanted some pics. Griselda 2011 Discoverd the delights of dustbathing April 2011 Intergration of the two flocks May 2011 Griselda Feb 2012 Brunhilda Feb 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Great - thanks - we ALWAYS want photos!! You've done a great job - well done - they look so happy and contented. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
