[joyfull]

a lot of ex-batts can suffer with liver and kidney problems because before the farmer gets rid of them he reduces their feed and water (slaughter houses do not want birds with food inside as it makes the job even messier).

[NormandyMary]

Ive just posted on the "chat" board that yesterday I visited a smallholding to buy some free range eggs. When I went down to meet her girls, to my joy and amazement, many of them were exbatts. Ive always wanted to do my bit for these poor creatures, so when I start my flock again, Im going to get some and give them a fantastic life. Ill have 2 flocks, one exbatts and one new hens. Her girls lay everyday still, and judging by the eggs I bought from her they are laying wonderful eggs.
Im feeling quite excited that I can at last do my bit as the place she got her girls from is not far from where we live.

[Madrat]

It's fantastic to watch them turn into "normal" chickens 

[Catsmuvva]

I'll second that!

My oldest ex-batt, Dixie Lee, has now been with me for 2 years 5 months, my second oldest 1 year 5 months - Afro has never laid an egg in her/his life (the jury is still out on the sex, 1 vet thought male, another thought hermaphrodite  :blink: ), so has been extremely lucky!

I also bought some POL last year but wouldn't be without my ex-batts for quids, they're really special - enjoy, NormandyMary!