Take part in study on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in eggs

[Orangediva]

Hmmmm - three is sounding more likely - definitely will be extending the run one way or the other ( or both!)

 

It sound like your heart is set on ex cage fighters? We (BHWT) are doing a big ex commercial hen rehoming on the 8th of March if your interested;))) plenty of girls to go around!

 

I didbregister with the BHWT - but haven't actually booked/requested anything as I wasn't sure exactly when I'd have their housing sorted ( I spent a fortune on getting my indoor rabbits a large outdoor enclosure for when the weather improves - then I found a serious bargain chicken Eglu on eBay - yay). I thought I might be nearer to the Lincolnshire BHWT and I believe they are rehoming on the 7th March? Whereabouts are you?

 

Just one thing - are ex- commercial hens really ok for a beginner? Most of what I've read says they are but I've also seen it suggested that sometimes a more experienced home might be better for them?

 

Thanks all for all of the advice, very helpful and lots of food for thought

[Chickabee]

Definitely fine for a beginner. Some people only have ex bats. They are very simple to look after. They need a bit of help with things like finding their bed, and learning what treats are. However as soon as they do learn they're quite hilarious. Mine squawk at me every time I see them and run around excitedly if they do get something

[Orangediva]

Awww bless. I do like the idea of giving a home, a bit of love and a chance to be chickens to them. I have two books about ex-batts and must admit that reading them brought tears to my eyes more than once.

[gavclojak]

I have and will only ever have ex batts, posh girls don't really do it for me

 

I was a complete beginner when I took my first 5 commercial girls on and I'm sure they are perfect for beginners and you will usually be rewarded with eggs from the get go the only down side is that there life expectancy is somewhat limited, I still have two girls from my original lot and they will have been with me 2 years in May so they will be three and a half then!. I got three new girls in October and lost 1 within 48 hours which unfortunately can happen due to the stress of the rehoming. She was the one I felt worse for, I felt like she didn't even get a chance:(

 

I am rehoming for the kent team but they may all come from the same commercial unit. If you do decide you want some of these special girls give hen central a call and take a peek at a thread of mine, flora and fauna before and after....

[Orangediva]

I have and will only ever have ex batts, posh girls don't really do it for me

 

I was a complete beginner when I took my first 5 commercial girls on and I'm sure they are perfect for beginners and you will usually be rewarded with eggs from the get go the only down side is that there life expectancy is somewhat limited, I still have two girls from my original lot and they will have been with me 2 years in May so they will be three and a half then!. I got three new girls in October and lost 1 within 48 hours which unfortunately can happen due to the stress of the rehoming. She was the one I felt worse for, I felt like she didn't even get a chance:(

 

I am rehoming for the kent team but they may all come from the same commercial unit. If you do decide you want some of these special girls give hen central a call and take a peek at a thread of mine, flora and fauna before and after....

 

I have definitely decided I want ex-commercial girls (3 of). The problem is that I cannot be ready for the 7th March - I have a large area of garden to clear and I had a visit/quote from a tree surgeon today to remove three trees that have to come out to make way for the chicken run. He cannot do the job until the 3rd March and there is just too much to get done in time with work as well. I shall ring hen central ( love it!) tomorrow and find out when the next rehoming date is - unless you can tell me?

I'm off to look at Flora and Fauna now xx

[Cat tails]

Ask the tree surgeon to keep the wood chippings. Make nice chicken run material!

[redsunset]

What a lovely post! always exciting getting your first girls no matter what breed. I got mine on a hot may afternoon and spent the whole weekend sitting outside on an old bit of carpet watching them! (Neighbours must have thought id lost the plot!)

You will spend many hours watching them, and so will the kids. They will love charging into the house with that first egg held aloft in amazement

[Orangediva]

Ask the tree surgeon to keep the wood chippings. Make nice chicken run material!

 

He's going to cut me some branches and stumps for the chicken and bunny runs - I never thought of asking to keep the chippings (and, rather embarrassingly, I've been pricing up bags of hardwood chippings on various websites ........duh )

[mullethunter]

You're being very responsible waiting. Well done

 

Sounds like you're going to have a great set-up with lots for them to do. Lucky girls! Looking forward to seeing the photo's

[Cindig]

Orangediva, I'll be really interested to hear how you get on too!!! Did you find out whether the BHWT have a re-homing date that suits you, when you'll be ready to take them?

 

I can't believe how much I worry about the hens... but also how delighted I am the first time they do something, like the first time they manage the new ramp, the first time they go into the coop to lay an egg (today)... all the simple firsts! Also just watching them is addictive...

 

Love when they stretch and flap their wings!

[Orangediva]

You're being very responsible waiting. Well done

 

Sounds like you're going to have a great set-up with lots for them to do. Lucky girls! Looking forward to seeing the photo's

 

Thank you! It is a bit disappointing waiting (especially as my friend will be bringing 3 girls home on Saturday after our course) but I definitely don't have space until the planned area is cleared - unless I put them on my veggie growing areas which is not going to happen !!! Yesterday I measured out the area and made sure everything will fit once it's all cleared - it will and there's a bit of extra space so I may be able to have a bigger run. ATM the plan is 3 hens in a classic with 2m run attached to a 2mx2m WIR with lots of free ranging using Omlet fencing to keep them off my veggies).

 

Cindig - not sure of date yet, didn't ring yesterday as it was sunny and I was in garden all day but I will do it today. They seem to be every couple of months so hopefully not too long. Will keep you posted!