[Manlea1]

How much would ex bat chooks cost me roughly in lincolnshire? anyone know  :blink: or the best place to get some?
Want ex bats so i can give them a decent retirement really and not too worried about egg laying ability as such (would be a bonus though) Still got some research and design the coop so not in no hurry but the advice of the experienced mums on here would be great 

Ta Lee

[joyfull]

I couldn't find any in Lincolnshire so had to travel to Norfolk. I do know that little hen rescue will be looking at rehoming some ex-batts later on this month.

[Flowerpower136]

I got mine from battery hen welfare trust, not sure if they have any rehomers in your area though.  they just ask for a donation.
I gave £20 and rehomes 8.

[GrannieAnnie]

We got our ex batts from John the Lincolnshire co-ordinator for the BHWT.  He's at Wragby.  but on looking at their website, these 2 people are now the co-ordinators for Lincs.

Gaynor Davies

   Mon - Fri 12 noon - 4.30pm
   01769 580310

Charly Barker
   Mon - Thurs 6pm - 9pm & Sat & Sun 12 – 4pm
   01427 679437

When we got our ex batts in 2004 they charged 50p each for them, but prices vary I think depending on the region.

[TeaPots]

I am sorry, but in my opinion it is not about cost. Eiter you want to rescue some of these poor girls or you dont. They will cover their costs at least twofold in eggs, and tenfold in gratitude and entertainment. If you want a bargain, maybe look out for some hybrids, as you just CANNOT put a price on ex batts. They need more attention, high quality feed, supplements and medicines sometimes...and a really NOT for beginners.

[Flowerpower136]

I am sorry, but in my opinion it is not about cost. Eiter you want to rescue some of these poor girls or you dont. They will cover their costs at least twofold in eggs, and tenfold in gratitude and entertainment. If you want a bargain, maybe look out for some hybrids, as you just CANNOT put a price on ex batts. They need more attention, high quality feed, supplements and medicines sometimes...and a really NOT for beginners.

I think that's a very fair comment.  They shouldn't be considered as a 'cheap' option.  And it is important to understand that they might come with problems, and no eggs .  So you do need to be pretty keen to take them on.  It's best of everything for my girls and no pay back required.   Though of course I get payback in all sorts of ways.

Like Manlee, I liked the idea of rehoming needy crits. and like Manlee, I was a complete beginner.  Sorry Teapots!! but we've all got to start somewhere!

The thing is, that with ex batt rehoming, you do have the benefit of the advice and backup of the rehoming charity.  I knew the BHWT would be there if I had any problems.  And of course, the support and advice from peeps on here has been wonderful.  And as you can see from my separate post ..... didn't we do well!

Do lots of research Manlee, and visit as many set ups as you can.  It helps to be an 'informed' beginner

[Manlea1]

I understand they are not really for beginners but its the moral with me,not looking for a bargain as its be suggested  but a rough idea on cost,my plan is to spend this year learning and reading and next year building my own coop as i have the skills and when im totally prepared then ill get some ex bats 

Lee

[joyfull]

I think the average asking donation is £2.50 per bird, but I gave £5.00 to help cover their costs and to help look after any that don't get new homes 

[min200]

I dont think exbatts are a problem for beginners, in fact I think its a great way to get into chicken keeping as long as you are well read, have support ie all the great people on here and are prepared for what may happen with them.

My first 3 girls were exbatts and they had a great time until the incident last week with the fox.  Now the run was well prepared with a great coop but the fox tunneled 6 ft to get in!   So a hard lesson was learnt for me there and a harder one for my chickens.

I now have the confidence with what I have learnt over the last few months to get a flock of 8 birds, 4 exbatts and 4 12 week old warrens. 

Anyone who is willing to give those poor exbatts some decent life instead of them ending up as pet food is a hero in my books.

[Manlea1]

I think the average asking donation is £2.50 per bird, but I gave £5.00 to help cover their costs and to help look after any that don't get new homes 

Thanks for that info  Only going to have 3 or 4 girls at first with a coop fit for a queen so £30 ish should cover that aspect of the planning 

[TeaPots]

I am sorry, but in my opinion it is not about cost. Eiter you want to rescue some of these poor girls or you dont. They will cover their costs at least twofold in eggs, and tenfold in gratitude and entertainment. If you want a bargain, maybe look out for some hybrids, as you just CANNOT put a price on ex batts. They need more attention, high quality feed, supplements and medicines sometimes...and a really NOT for beginners.

I think that's a very fair comment.  They shouldn't be considered as a 'cheap' option.  And it is important to understand that they might come with problems, and no eggs .  So you do need to be pretty keen to take them on.  It's best of everything for my girls and no pay back required.   Though of course I get payback in all sorts of ways.

Do lots of research Manlee, and visit as many set ups as you can.  It helps to be an 'informed' beginner

my first were hybrids, but after less than 6 months, i rescued 6 girls too, Sadly not all of them made it, and it was heartbreaking enough for me to nearly give up chicken-keeping altogether.

 I now try to rescue a few every year, then find them forever homes once they are all fat and feathered and friendly.  Good luck..we are all here to offer advice and comforting. But do remember, Ex batts have a particular hot-line to the very middle of your heart.    You have to be prepared is all.

[joyfull]

just heard from norfolkhedgehogrescue and she is organising her second rescue but at the moment her prices haven't been set as she is waiting for the farmer to get back to her.