[westview]

Hi there, your wife sounds just like me.... I went for the exbattery hens... they are lovely.  Although I am new to this myself the whole experience so far has been so rewarding.  You have to go on a waiting list to get your batties but the thought of giving them a lovely home and when you see them go out side for the 1st time - well words fail me!   I have 3 exbatties and they give me between 1 & 2 eggs a day plus a whole lot of feel good factor..  Plus they become very tame and I swear they know their names!!!  Here's the British Hen's Welfare Trusts website in case you're interested.
Happy chooking!
http://www.bhwt.org.uk/