Hello

[Wagshaz]

I’m new here - just been building coop and hoping for 3-4 chickens after lockdown.
I’m keen to rescue ex battery hens - what do people think about it as I’m a first time chicken keeper

 

[rick]

Hi Wagshaz and Welcome!
Its a great thing to do! Commercial hybrids (usually brown 'Warren' types) are wonderful characters. They do come with some inherent health problems due to their breeding for production but that is, after all, bound up with the reason for rescuing them. Apart from that they are confident and very friendly - an absolute delight!
Have you built a run with the coop?

 

[LadyA]

I have to say, that for a first time keeper, while I would recommend the commercial hybrids, I wouldn't really recommend rescues for your first hens. They are already around two years old, and in hybrid terms, that's already getting on a bit. It's heartbreaking to start losing hens through illness (and yes, they are prone to certain illnesses) or just age. However, if you get commercial type point of lay pullets, you'll have lots of eggs for a couple of years from friendly little characters, and hopefully, minimal health issues while you learn.

 

[Icemaiden]

Hi Wagshaz.
I'm going to respectfully disagree with Rick & Lady A as I started out with ex-batts and really loved the experience of watching them learn natural chicken behaviours, grow their feathers & get the chance to enjoy a productive retirement. I got mine via the British Hen Welfare Trust.

I didn't have problems with their health; the BHWT don't rehome sick or injured birds (there are certain people who choose to take on the "poorlies"), so you shouldn't need to worry. Also, the commercial layers are bred to be healthy & laid-back.

Go for it. But do make sure you have a fox proof run ready, allowing at least 2 square metres of run per bird. The last thing you want to do is rescue them from a commercial farm just to have them die in terror in the jaws of a fox...

 

[Marigold]

Whatever you decide to get, success will largely depend on having a big enough run and suitable coop for the numbers you intend to keep. The run should give a minimum of 2 sq metres of floor space per hen, not counting space in a smaller run that will be taken up by feeder, drinker and dustbath. The coop should allow for 25cms if perching space per hen and the perches need to be at least 30cms apart if you’re installing a double row, to allow space for tails and heads. Ventilation is key. There’s a lot of help and discussion in the Runs and Coops section.
As this is the Welcome section, I wonder if you’d like to start your own thread in one if the sections below? It would be great if you could post more details about number of birds and your plans for keeping them. Getting the equipment and run set up suitably will help you to enjoy keeping your birds when they come. Looking forward to hearing more from you!

 

[bigyetiman]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
We all look forward to hearing and seeing peoples runs and hens.
You will be able to access plenty of advice from members here, as you embark on hen keeping
But be warned it does lead to "morehens disease" :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: