[TonyW]

After the bad news of having lolly put to sleep on Monday, good news is today I got 2 ex battery warrens to add to our flock!  They look quite poorly at the moment but I'm hoping to nurse them back to full health.

They are currently in the bottom part of the rabbit hutch at the moment and I'm going to sneak them in the hen house with the others when I get home from work. Just hope it's not raining 

Has anyone got any ideas or tips for getting them back to full health?

Thanks

[NormandyMary]

Good News??? That's BRILLIANT news. Another 2 abused hens are going to be spending the rest of their lives in freedom, being loved and cared for.
That's fantastic!

[bantam novice]

I agree with NM here.  Brilliant!  good luck and I'm sure you'll have tips flooding in 

[orchardlady]

Hi Tony. I'm probably too late to say this but will anyway. It's usually a good idea to keep 'new' hens separate from your original hens for a couple of weeks to make sure they are not bringing any bugs or behaviour problems in to be passed on to your original birds.

As you have ex batts they will have had their vaccinations etc when young but sometimes they can come with some serious social problems I believe. They have led fairly difficult lives so far in not very kindly conditions and will be physically exhausted. Try to ensure they are in an environment that is not too draughty as they will have spent their previous life inside all the time in heated sheds. Also all the usual things of plenty to eat, vitamins in their water, a clean quiet environment and plenty to occupy them as they settle.

As I have never kept ex battery hens before I'm not putting myself forward as an expert but offering anecdotal information.

Best of luck and I know we would all love to hear how your new ladies are getting on.

[joyfull]

the new hens should have been kept separate as orchard lady has said however as this is probably too late for this so keep a close eye on them. You may find your new girls can be a little bit bossy but this is because they have had to fight for anything they wanted. Things will settle down - my 4 rescues were very bossy at first but now whilst still not mild and meek they are no bossier than the rest of mine. Their new feathers will arrive and before long you won't even know that they were rescues. Make sure they don't have high perches or a high entry into their coup (provide a ladder) as their bones can be brittle and they can injure themselves.
Good luck xxx