[puffinstuff]

rescued two battery hens a fortnight ago.  only one of them is laying.  One appears healthier than the other.  The smaller of the two has not grown all her feathers back yet.  I'm feeding them layers mash.  why is this happening?  Is there anything i should be doing to encourage her.

thnks

[Casey76]

Don't expect ex bats to lay.

Any eggs you get are a bonus.  They deserve a happy retirement.

[carolbriar]

I don't have any experience of ex bats but from what I have read on the forum they often arrive in a sorry state - not surprisingly after the awful life they have had.  I would think it will take quite a time for the hens to get their feathers back and start looking like normal chickens.  I believe there is a food especially for ex bats but don't know what make it is.  Perhaps you could add some poultry spice to their food?  As regards to eggs, I have always read, again on this forum, that with ex bats any eggs you get are a bonus.  What you have done is offer two chickens a chance to live a life of luxury and a chance to enjoy the rest of their life compared to the awful conditions they have been forced to live in up until now.