the new girls

we collected our 6 new ex-battery chickens today. Poor things have hardly any feathers, and instead of being bright red, their combs are really pale.

The first thing we did was treat them for red mites. Because they have only ever lived in a tiny cage they have to be kept in a confined space for the first few days. They spent their first few hours of freedom huddled together in the corner of their run. It was weird to think that that was the first time in their lives that they had ever seen grass, or probably even natural light. We had to put them to bed at dusk because they have never roosted before.

Hopefully over the next couple of months I will be able to post more photos of them when they are looking in better shape.

[Alison Tomlin]

Hurray! And good for you. Is it true that the law has changed though? I thought there was new EU legislation to allow chickens more space. Was hopeful things might slowly improve.

[Karen Mitchell]

Poor things! So glad they now have a nice home, and have grass under their feet. Can't wait to see how they get on.

[Jim]

I hope they all do well, the poor things.

[Roberta Clark Chalmers]

These girls should be much happier with you. Nice shot.

[cheryl]

WOW, I look forward to more pics of them as they improve.

[☠northy]

oh my... they look so sad! i'm glad you're able to give them a new home...

[Mark Lynham]

Bless them, still, they're in for a good life now! :-)

[Moira Brown]

Will look forward to seeing photos of them after a few months of the good life :oD

[Kim]

Oh..they are cute!

[Tammeray]

Hope they enjoy their new lives :) Looking forward to more pictures as they get healthier :)

[BeckyS]

Oh, so glad you rescued the poor things.

[amanda]

Good luck with these girls! Poor things. It'll be neat to see how their character develops. Also looking forward to update photos.

[Sharon Addison]

So happy you have given these poor girls a new life. I am sure it won't be long before they will settle into the real world. Enjoy helping them recover and look forward to seeing them change over the coming months

[Susie]

So good to know they now have a new life with you...I look forward to seeing your progress and photos over the next few months :D x

[Helen]

So glad they've got a new home! I look forward to seeing them in better shape really soon!

[Joanna Payne]

Did you get them from the Hen Welfare Trust near Coventry? We got some from there and it was amazing how quickly they learn about scratching for grubs, eating grass and going up to roost, when you think they have never done any of it before. Lucky lucky hens to be joining your wonderful smallholding!

[Jan Hall]

@joannapayne we did get them from the hen welfare trust, but went to their Brackley pick-up point as we are on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border and it was a bit closer. I am sure they will pick up soon, but they look such a sorry sight at the moment, huddled together in the shade. I get the feeling that their eyes must be quite sensitive to the sunlight as at the moment they are always in the shade. However, in spite of their traumatic and stressful day yesterday they still produced 4 eggs between them overnight!

I can't wait to see them scratching around.

[carol white]

Great capture!!

[Michelle Blackford]

Great details!!

[Jen]

Great shot.. but an even better story

[Jane]

Bless your heart... so nice they have freedom at last and do hope they will begin to settle and enjoy their new found freedom very soon. Would love to follow updates on them ♥