[Bagpuss]

My four ex-batteries settled in and laid egggs from day one. They were naturally very wary at first and they have never learnt how to perch - they still sleep in their nesting box, but so what.  It's such a pleasure to see them scratching and pecking around.  I'd recommend them to anyone. A bit of common sense and tlc is all you need.

[Ednah]

Hi - we are now on our second lot of ex battery hens which we got the the Battery Hen Welfare Trust - they were easy to keep, although I would recommend keeping them in a run for the first two weeks or so to get them used to being near fresh air and especially if you get them in the winter.  Ours now free range and one has even hatched a chick (we did have two cockerels so no immaculate conceptions).  Of the 30 we got last time only one died over the course of a year.  Chickens really aren't that hard to keep.  Go rescue 'em, BHWT will let you have anything from 2 upwards.  You will find that they are available when they clear out a battery farm.  Good luck