We have had several rescued hens some of them coming from a breeder as day olds to allow children to observe chicks growing up and others being rescued from Battery farms when their lives are considered over .This usually happens at about 17 months when the production of daily eggs reduces to only 5 or 6 a week . We have also rescued some Free range hens whose lives are also considered over at about 17 months . Both rescued Battery and free range hens come in poor condition having been pecked by their neighbours . After a short period their feathers begin to regrow and the hens start to be ‘ Happy ‘ . They enjoy the chance to bask in the sun ; have a dust bath and just peck at the grass .

Olivia Puddlecluck

Phoebe Puddlecluck

Rebecca Puddlecluck

Three companions having a chat!

Jemima Puddlecluck

 

The first Double Yoker!

Dorothy's wee girlies


A report by one of the volunteers who took on Four ex Free range hens

“A recent addition to our household pets have been four ex free range hens who have now been with Dorothy’s family for approximately 5 weeks.   They arrived very skinny, almost bald and very frightened.   Ten days later we had our first egg, then an egg each day for a week, which increased to two per day.  Great excitement today (8th August) as there were three eggs and some very pleased chickens who are rapidly growing their feathers again, together with their confidence!   Just shows what some TLC can do!!!!

Update – 12th August 2011.   After the last few days with three eggs there are Four eggs today!  What clever chickens, who are obviously happy and settled with us.

Update – 21st August 2011.  Two double yolk eggs laid during the last few days and enjoyed at breakfast time today.  Amazing when you look back at how these chickens looked a few weeks ago!  We now get at least three eggs a day and frequently four!

Now that they have their feathers their photos are shown above.   Four beautiful wee chickens, Rebecca, Jemima, Olivia and Phoebe!

Update 10th Oct 2011 – The girls are still doing well and like nothing better than digging up our plants while searching for goodies!

Update 15th Nov 2011 – The girls are all developing their own wee characteristics. Phoebe is always last to come out of the run and loves to lead us a merry dance when it is time to go back in! Rebecca and Jemima bustle around trying to be the boss, and Olivia likes a cuddle!
Update – 27th November 2011.  Last saturday little Rebecca gave us a fright as she developed an abcess which burst quite dramatically.  She had a bath in the kitchen sink and some soothing aloe vera and tea tree spray applied, and then an afternoon in a nice warm box in the kitchen.  When she returned to her house at bedtime Jemima sat beside her for hours.  Quite astonishing how caring she was as she was definitely on nursing duty for her sister Rebecca.  We are pleased to report that Rebecca is much better and laying again!  Jemima is officially off duty.                                        @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

A further collection of Ex Free Range hens has now taken place and four more hens have become members of Glendrick Roost .

These four have taken up residence in a chicken run with an upstairs house and are allowed out to roam in the garden every morning . As yet no eggs have been laid but the hens confidence is growing as are their feathers.

Update 28th November 2011  There is some egg laying activity with the new chickens and this is a sign that they are settling in.