The Poultry Keeper

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Well here they are - their first full day with me.
So far - every time i go near them i get furious squawking and they all dash off to try and hide behind each other.

However, they are eating and drinking and have laid 2 normal eggs and one soft shell. They all seem to be quite fit all things considered but are not all brave enough to venture outside apart from one!

Sorry if this is a bit long!

Sarah

Lisa · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 6:04 pm Post subject:

Aw.... bless....

I think the oven ready girls have landed.... on their feet with you Wink

Thanks for showing us the "before" photos - really looking forward to the "after" ones in the weeks to come Very Happy

andym01480 · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 132 Location: King's Lynn

Well done.

Shocking photos though. How can people do that?

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

I know!
And the worst of it is that we all support it unwittingly.
I got literature with the birds that talks bout going to restaurants, buying sandwiches, eating ready made cakes - the list goes on. Evil or Very Mad

The literature also is very careful to point out that this is not the fault of the farmers as they are only doing what they have to to compete and yet comply with the law.

I think i may have to find a soap box angryfire

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7424 Location: isle of lewis

they look like they're going to be lovely birds when they feather out
and lucky them coming to live with you
suz

andym01480 · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 132 Location: King's Lynn

So how do you go about rescuing?

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

i did it through the battery hen welfare trust: www.thehenshouse.co.uk and when you get to the contact page click on the one for your area.

I got lucky as there was to be a rescue only a couple of days later. I paid 50 pence per girl plus a voluntary donation and then away we came.

They also gave me a fact sheet on early care which is really useful and makes it all a little less scary.

Hope that helps...

Knobby · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 8:09 pm Post subject:

Good on you Madslg !

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

Well done with the girls ~ poor little things. Look forward to seeing how they progress with your loving care. The one whose come out looks quite inquisitive doesn't she? I guess she's going to be the leader of your pack. Do they have names yet?

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

CP · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:08 am Post subject:

Poor things! Hope they start getting some more feathers soon - it's a bit cold without your feather duvet! Embarassed

jooles · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:12 am Post subject:

Awww poor things! Good on you for giving them a proper home. I don't blame them for not wanting to go outside naked like that! Really looking forward to seeing them when they've got some feathers on.

Issy · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 371 Location: somerset

they certainly seem to have landed on their feet with you. Looking forward to the after photos. Smile

poultry poofs · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:02 pm Post subject:

can you not put baby jumpers on them to keep them warm, i know it sounds daft but it is bloody cold out.

my special lad, "Fog Horn Frank" lost his neck feathers due to his ladies taking a liking to them after he spills water down his chest, he now wears a cut up boot sock to keep his neck warm and stop them pulling anymore, he looks very dashing in it !!!

you could cut the arms of baby cardies and put the wings through and then button up down the front !!!!! SWEET, and sad i know but yeas i can knit baby clothes, and i dont even have or ever want children, just as well i guess. Laughing

weeg x

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Oh bless, what an idea! I can't knit so may have to go sales shopping! I am worried that the temperature is dropping but they are okay in the house for now and i will leave them there till Wednesday when i can make the necessary adaptations to continue the introductions....

Fingers crossed!