Wednesday 18 December 2013

3 Old Birds

Last October I had my first "big" batch of excaged birds (well 11 of them - big for me). Over a year on and yesterday I picked up my second batch of 15 birds so I thought I'd show you what I've got left of the first lot.

Well two of them pictured, as one was on walkabout! Only three have survived to this point.
I lost two early on - the shock of coming out of the large sheds into the fresh air is too much for some of these girls. Then the other 9 lived happily through the Spring, Summer and Autumn, laying a surprising number of eggs everyday, until the incident with the dog walker that put us down to six. Then, as I couldn't find where the bodies of the chickens from the dog attack, I think a fox got a taste for them, so I lost three more over the next week or so, leaving me with my three scouts that I've got now.
They've got a great coop and large run but pretty much go where they like during the day, favourite spots include (but not limited to) under the old oak tree in the orchard, up by the patio at the back of the house and "teasing" the other chickens in the big pen who can't get out!
The best bit about these three is they still lay three eggs every other day. Productive for birds that are past their best out of a large factory hen house!

11 comments:

  1. They are such lovely friendly birds usually too, which I always find amazing after the crowded start in life they get. So brave in the outdoors and happy to learn.

    I can honestly say that all my rescue birds have been the best of my lot and as you say, they lay consistently even when they are supposed to be 'past their best' and only fit for pet food in the eyes of the commercial laying world.

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    Replies
    1. I have to agree about them being the best birds we've had as well. they lay well, friendly and always go in at night. If I can keep buying them cheap then we'll keep having them!

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  2. What a superb thing to do, rescuing hens which have been forced into slavery by the food industry, and it must give you pleasure to see the survivors of your first batch still doing well.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah but they've still got to work for me!

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  3. Guess you could say that they've been given a reprieve.

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    Replies
    1. "Dead man walking the green mile" kind of style!

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  4. I feel like I am running a retirement home for chickens, our birds are doing very little laying this winter and just hang out in the sun to stay warm and seem to enjoy giving each other a hard time. Trying to decide if I will get new birds in the spring as the feed prices are too high to justify it now.

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    Replies
    1. Wel thats not where I want to get to but so long as mine keep laying then I'll keep them a bit longer!

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  5. Replies
    1. When you pick them up you realise how healthy they are!

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