I have finally acquired some ex battery hens

Treat them like they are going through a moult and give them more protein, e.g. meat and/or chick crumbs with layers mixed in.  That coupled with a bit of wind in their hair (which they have not experienced before) should do the trick.  Mine feathered up mostly ok, but there is still the odd one that is lacking a patch of feathers or two.

Enjoy the massive eggs!

Thanks Monty Tom I have some chick crumb as I still have a few chicks so will mix a little of that in with their layers mash today.   Mtoyne they came from Driffeld originally but I brought them at Selby auction.  From what I could gather from the man that was selling them he collects them from the farmer then sells them at auction.  To be honest he wouldn't make much money on them by the time he has paid auction fees etc but at least it is saving some girls from the inevitable.  He also said he was bringing some more in a fortnight if you know anyone that wants some and they sell them in lots of fives.  I haven't checked the coop yet for eggs as they are still in bed as they are a little bit vocal when they see me so daren't let them out until after eight or my neighbours will be complaining again.  :evil: I must admit the eggs seem huge compared to my other girlies and it looks like I maybe inundated with eggs if I get 11 eggs again today like I did yesterday with some of my pol birds also starting to lay.  

  I bought my girls for £3 for five but obviuosly that would vary at the next auction could be more, could be less.  As for whatelse is at auction well theres rabbits, ferrets, ducks, geese, pigs, cows and a miscellaneous section where basically its all the old stuff you don't need anymore.  Anything from bits of wood to washing machines, box of veg to chicken coops.  It is very varied hence the reason I tend to go.  I look at all the animals to buy and hubby looks at the miscellaneous (otherwise called junk by me     )  Note hubby wasn't actually at the auction when  I bought the ex batts when I rang him to say have you brought a box as he was enroute he said "what have you gone and bought now"