Battery vs Free range

[MaureenHall]

well done and welcome poppy_lillysmum, ex-batts really are lovely aren't they Especially when they grow their frilly knickers back

[RedThorn]

Got our girls today. They're still getting used to the grass they're HERE!

[Hans Mum]

well done Red, hope they settle in well, cant wait to see how they get on with you, get my ex-bats in 2weeks

[RedThorn]

well done Red, hope they settle in well, cant wait to see how they get on with you, get my ex-bats in 2weeks

Just put them to bed.... Will try and post some pics tomorrow and point out who's who. Their names are Noodle, Nugget, Nando & Lizzie

Good luck with yours in two weeks, how many are you getting?

I am actually very impressed with the rescue centre! All very friendly, clipped their claws and well organised also well supported! They took the time to interact with my daughter and allow her to choose the 4 she wanted. They even looked for one with virtually all her feathers for my daughter. I am now glad that I took her with (even though the whole way home my DD kept telling me to slow down so as not to scare the girls!)

The visions that I had of the rescue centre were nothing like reality .... thankfully!

[Suechooks]

Its exactly a year today since I got my ex-batts! Seeing yours reminded me how well they've come on. They had less feathers than your girls. You'll be amazed how they progress and turn into little round chunky feathery girls! Well done and good luck.

[Glutton4...]

Oooh well done you! Makes me realise how well mine look now - they were just like that when I got them in November. I hope you enjoy having them as much as the rest of us seem to.

I have to say, I too was impressed with the rescue centres that I went to. Very well organised and everyone seemed very caring. Can't wait to get more - 16 just isn't enough!

[frias]

Got our girls today. They're still getting used to the grass they're HERE!

Congratulations. They'll soon get so used to the grass you won't have any left.

[seasprout]

Cluck....

Just wanted to write something here because a new user might be looking in and this is a good thread.

Those of you with Ex-batts..how are they getting on...?

[RedThorn]

Hi Seasprout

They're doing great! Noodle, the most threadbare is busy moulting - her new feathers are still unfurling and she's gonna be even more beautiful soon (Rose tinted glasses on again )

They're are underfoot now and 2 are now eating from our hands. All the children love them and they get fed treats so often, I'm worried they won't be able to waddle nevermind run like they do now every time the sliding door opens!


All in all, they've been so easy to look after and such a joy to have, I wonder why we never did this far earlier!

Here's a couple of links that show their story to date
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...rls_26742.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nds_27716.html

[Hans Mum]

my girls are doing brilliantly, they now do what proper chickens do, scratch through the garden, eat lots of treats, enjoy the sun on their backs, eat more treats, & poo everywhere!!! but they are fab and their feathers are starting to come back and their combs are getting some colour in and standing up better, i'm so pleased with them

[Hashette]

Lovely to hear how everyone's ex-batts are settling down. Mine too, and it's lovely to see them so happy, free ranging round the garden. Later on we'll be having breakfast with the best tasting eggs in the world, watched through the patio doors by four little faces.

They're not coming in - I may be 5th in the pecking order, but I draw the line at that!

[RedThorn]

They're not coming in - I may be 5th in the pecking order, but I draw the line at that!

LOL that's that brought a smile to my face! True though ain't it! I fall beneath the daughter, chickens, cats then me as far as OH is concerned!

[Glutton4...]

LOL that's that brought a smile to my face! True though ain't it! I fall beneath the daughter, chickens, cats then me as far as OH is concerned!

Good to hear you know your place Steve! LOL

[raine]

I really envy the people who can let their ex-batts free range. I live near a busy road and I'm frightened that they would cause an accident! Despite that (and depite me worrying that they have enough room) my ex-batts are looking very pleased with themselves in their fixed run. I've only had them a week but they are scratching about and getting very stroppy if breakfast is late.

[Eyren]

My chickens only free-range in the back garden - they have found their way round to the front garden once or twice, but they don't like to be too far from their familiar territory so they haven't strayed any further.