Following my first effort at chicken keeping I have finally done the right thing and rescued some hens with excellent results so far.
Last time I had chucks I bought them at ‘point of lay’ for £6 each and allowed them roam truly free range. This unfortunately upset some on my neighbours as they raided bird tables and veg patches.
They did however make either, Mr Fox, Mrs mink, or a local dog or cat, happy as they disappeared one by one leaving a pile of feathers.
So now Mildred and friends have a pen beside the BigBarn office and a home 4 feet above the ground accessed from a chicken ladder too flimsy (I hope) for a fox, mink, dog or cat.
The ‘ladies’ have come from our local rescue centre who collect from local battery farmers who normally kill their stock when production declines when the birds are only 18 months old. Unsurprisingly, many farmers now give stock away rather than incur the cost of slaughter.
As you can see from the photo Mildred and Gertrude are a little pale and have lost a few feathers but who wouldn’t be after living in such hell. They were pretty nervous when I first opened the hutch door but are now clucking happily and laying more eggs than we can eat. And I hope continue to do so for another 3-5 years.
For more on keeping chickens try this site and to find your local rescue centre type ‘rescue hens and your county in to Google.
Or for you advice and thoughts please feedback below.