I cried today....

[Lumpy]

I cried today due to sadness and shame.

We collected our 3 ex bats. The BHWT had managed to find homes for 288 hens today and we were told when we turned up that most of them were in poor condition.

I stood in line with my big box and cried as I saw the poor little things all hudled together in a corner.

Imagine 288 hens like this



I am so pleased we can help a few (3rd hen is in the house hiding) and so ashamed that treatment like this is still allowed to happen because I know that I have eaten food with eggs produced by hens such as these.

Please keep your fingers crossed for these sad little things as I think they may need it.

[rhonsal]

Now they have a good and happy home - they'll be looking healthier in no time!

[fishpond]

My thoughts are with you and your cluckies.
It is shameful, but sadly, people want cheap eggs-meat and all the time that is the case, the welfare of any food animal is pretty much out of the window.

[Jay22]

Yip for you as their new mummy I'm sure they will be happy and healthy soon!

[Nicos]

Poor things- they are so lucky to have found you to care for them.

Heartbreaking isn't it?

Well done you though- pat on the back for deciding to take them on

[Lumpy]

Should I put anything on their skin to stop sun burn?

[Guest]

Big hug. It is a shock to see so many poorly chooks but least they get to see a better future. Well done you for taking them on.

They will soon feather up. Just make sure they have access to food, water and somewhere dry i.e. coop

[Nicos]

Should I put anything on their skin to stop sun burn?

Maybe a temporary cloth over the side of the run just to block out the UV rays???

[Scarlet]

Awww lumpy, a few weeks of your love and attention and they will flourish. Their skin will be fine, they will soon have new coat and will look lovely. the best thing you can buy is a stool to sit on and a bag of mealworms. You will be able to watch them for hours

[craftymarie]

It is shameful how some humans still treat animals as if they are inferior living things. I would have cried too. How lovely that these ones finally get to have a loving home - well done you.

[shine388]

It is truly awful that it is still so common but well done you for rescuing some. I'm very much looking forward to your updates (with plenty of photos) showing how the ladies are getting on ☺️

[1Bee]

We went to see a battery hen place as part of our student course. The 'farmer' (I used the word loosely, as I don't think he qualifies) told us all the fuss about welfare was nonsense because, and I quote, "chickens don't actually have brains." He actually believed it.

Our Ecology lecturer stood up on the bus afterwards and addressed an edgy and upset class in a slightly shaking voice. "Just so you know. Chickens do have brains and they do feel things."

[Lumpy]

I am so worried about Gert. She is the smallest wih no feathers down her back and belly. As soon as the other 2 stand near her so freezes with her head down. Her wattle is very, very small because, I suppose she has no feathers.
I am now plotting how to get her to eat and drink whilst on her own.

All ideas welcome

[Scarlet]

A few feed bowls around will help. Don't offer lots of treats as you want her to get all the vitamins in her that pellet feed will give. She's probably quite stressed at the moment, it may well all change in a few days.

[lottie dolly]

pleased you got them at last,and sorry they are in such a state,looking forwards to your updates,love and tender care will soon start to shine through,all the best lass