Rehoming Battery Hens - Jamie Oliver Fowl Dinners

[hazelize_uk]

We have been thinking about keeping chickens for a few months, but after watching Jamie oliver and the treatment of the battery hens, we visited the Battery Hens Welfare Trust Website and have agreed to rehome 15 hens!

Basically we now have a week to get everything ready for them, and would be EXTREMELY greatful if all those with chooks could post us perhaps their top 5 tips each to speed up the research process!

Oooooo I'm all excited and panicking at the same time trying to get it all done  ;D

[hazelize_uk]

[kt.]

Everything you need to know.  I recommend this book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Chickens-Damerow/dp/158017325X

[jonny211]

Tip 1: find the practical poultry website and read every post!

[prink13]

No tips, but wish you good luck   :D

[mat]

if they have not been acclimatised then the following:

1) keep then inside the "shed/housing" for a day as they will be scared of light, then open pop hole and let them investigate (they need to learn to walk as well...)
2) teach them to perch once settled
2) keep an eye on health - we found they brought in a lot of ill health
4) they will go through a big moult when you get them (if getting straight from farm)
5) they become VERY tame, so if kept in the garden; keep the back door closed, else you find them looking for you in the house!!!

Have fun  ;D
mat

[teresa]

Oh 15 good for you,
below are a few of my fav sites have a look.

http://www.pekinbantams.com/community/index.php

http://p098.ezboard.com/bbackyardchickens

http://www.keepchickens.info/index.php?pageid=6

http://p098.ezboard.com/fbackyardchickensfrm30.showMessage?topicID=23.topic

I hope this helps good luck with your new hens

[hazelize_uk]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I've been reading away like a mad thing on all the sites you've all recommended!  Due to weather hampering our building plans we have had to put back our 'rescue' date to the end of Feb now so we can make sure everything is fox proof and draught proof etc as we are well aware that the poor little ladies will not be used to the outside conditions and will need a bit of TLC to say the least!

Of I go for a bit more reading! I'm heading for information overload!!! ;D