Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[pianogirl79]

Hello everyone,

 

Completely new to chickens and this forum (though I have been lurking for months trying to gem up on ex-batts!)

 

Our 3 ex-batts arrived yesterday, 1 looking quite healthy, the other 2 looking very sorry for themselves despite having come out of the farm 6 weeks ago. Brenda the healthy one has quickly settled in, had loads of food and water and is generally pecking around digging holes etc, the other 2 (Barbs and Betty) have spent most of the time standing still asleep, they've had water but hardly any food at all.

 

Will it just take time for them to perk up? Or is there anything I should be doing with the 2 quiet ones? (they have ex-batt food, tonic in the water).

 

Could they have mites/lice etc? or are they just a bit tired out? S

 

hould I inspect them for anything??? Or give them a wash (they look pretty grubby)

 

They're in a 2m eglu - we were going to add a 2m extension tomorrow but will more change unsettle them further?

 

Any advice gratefully received - I knew taking on ex-batts wouldn't be the easiest as a newbie but I thought I'd read enough and was prepared and now I'm worried!

 

Thanks!

x

[zakjon-98]

Welcome to the forum Ex batts often need a bit more care at first. Some apple cider vinegar or garlic in their water may help them perk up as will the tonic you are using. Protein such as mealworms will help speed up feather growth too. So I would say they could just be settling in unless they look ill and hunched.

[good_egg]

Hello! Welcome and congrats on your girls. Sounds like your two quiet ones have had a bit of a time of it, but hopefully some tlc will see them right. I will start by clarifying I have never had ex-batts and I am still a newbie but someone with experience in ex-batts will be along soon and in the meantime it is always nice to have stuff to be doing when you are a worried chook mum. So.... Things to check - lice, I have found my only lice around the vent so would look there part the feathers and check for scurriers. Combs - colour and plumpness. Feel around the breast bone for weight, stomach for general goodness (round and squashy, but not fluid filled) and generally inspect the vent. Also check eyes and ears. Good guide on the BHWT site. In terms of tempting them to eat - what are you feeding them? I would be adding some sort of tonic to their water (lifeguard is good) and I would consider trying nutri drops to perk them up. The instructions say feed directly but when my wee ones were stressed I didn't want to force feed (and it can be scary as a newbie) so added to a small pot of yoghurty mash and mealworms or a tin of tuna. Try treats like tuna which are high in fat and protein along with the pellets. You can definitely wash them if you think they would benefit - some of my girls seem to quite like it. I use warm water and baby shampoo and for Connie, who is my dirty girl, I then wrap her in a towel and sit her on a hot pad where she stays til she is dry, other people with less amenable girls use hair driers on low. Would definitely do something now it is colder. Hope that helps as a starter. Keep us posted

[jackian]

Welcome .. I can't add anything that has not already been said as I have never had ex batts but in the past 2 poorly girls.

1. ...Take your time to get to know them . It is funny one day you will realise how much you have learnt in such a sort space of time and before long you will be giving advice on here.

2...They are survivers and once they start getting a bit of TLC they will perk up.

3. ..It must be scary for them as well as you and if they have been in a confined space it will take time for them to adjust .

4...Enjoy them and please keep us up to date and we like pics on here...especcially the before and after ones .

5.. Look forward to your first

6 .. .Good luck.

[jaspersmum]

Welcome and huge congrats on the new girlies!! Ex-batts are so rewarding - if a little nerve wracking for a while.

 

We've only had one batch of ex-batts so we're not really experts but we may be able to give some encouragement in addition to the really excellent advice you've already had. Sounds like you're doing everything right, food and tonic wise - you might want to try a mineral powder in their food instead of tonic in their water. We've had great results with poultry spice, we found ours didn't really like the water once we put tonic in it - they hoover up anything with spice in though. They particularly enjoyed it when we mixed their food with warm water and a little measure of the spice to make a porridge - even though it's just the same as regular food they seem to think it's a real treat if it's served differently

 

They will be very tired and really traumatised for a while, ours were very nervous and seemed to find life quite exhausting generally for the first few months. Our three ex-batt ladies have been free for 17 months now and still enjoy rather more snoozes than their ordinary sisters but are still doing very well and laying regularly. As with regular chooks keep an eye out for things like runny bottoms or any signs of coughing or sneezing - and yes do check for mites. We're pretty sure ours came with that particular free gift and shared them with their sisters! A good local poultry vet will be happy to check them over for you to put your mind at ease.

 

Keep at it, they will take a while to settle in and sadly some do just find freedom a little too much to cope with but we'll be keeping everything crossed for them to enjoy long and happy lives with you. And yes, lots of piccies please!

 

x

[pianogirl79]

Thanks everyone - all advice gratefully received! Will defeinitely try the poultry spice and will have a good look at them tomorrow to see if can spot any mites : (

Betty the really bald one is looking heaps brighter today - her comb is pinker and perked up a bit and all of them have eaten lots all day : ) We've also doubled the length of the run which they seem very happy with : )