Caring for ex-battery hens

Caring for ex battery hens is an extremely kind and rewarding thing to do.

Once out of cages these hens adapt very quickly to their new free range environment. Usually within the hour they will be scratching, stretching out in the sun and dust bathing for the very first time. All hens rescued by myself are given a dose of anti biotics (usually because of respitory infections), wormed, given a full health check and parasite treated.

It is important to do a thorough check of each hen to look for any injurys or wounds. Occasionally you'll discover a hen with a broken bone. This can be diagnosed by a good bird vet and they will provide proper treatment. Please remember that all hens that I offer for adoption have been given a clean bill of health and any broken bones have been previously treated.

To be able to care for these hens you must provide

a safe secure coop and free range environment
fresh food and water 24/7
be happy to provide vet care when necessary
A stress free environment
Bedding and nesting boxes
Shell grit
Vitamin and mineral supplement

Ex battery hens will have to re-establish a pecking order so bullying is common. Keep an eye on your new hens to make sure that no one is getting seriously picked on and injured.

All hens come fully vaccinated so you will not need to worry about vaccinating them again but they will need to be wormed every 3-5 months.

These hens often suffer vitamin and mineral deficenecies so it is a good idea to provide a vitamin and mineral supplement as well as feeding back your hens eggs to them. This helps replenish what they lost when producing the egg.

Please note we only re home hens are companion animals only. You will need to sign an agreement that hens will not be killed or given away once they stop producing eggs. If necessary we are always happy to have the hens returned to our care if you are no longer able to care for them.