hi
we have selection of hens and bants most are rescue but my light sussex cost more than Id like to tell hubby!!
I am by no means an expert and so am not posting to give advice but am posting to give encouragement.
We once went for some hens , only four to be precise.
I thought they were kept in sheds but they were indeed battery hens kept in awful conditions.
We took a dog crate (you know the metal cages for cars etc) which was large as we have an assortment of dogs ranging from big to small.
They cost 30p each.
I only wanted the four but the owners filled the crate for 'no extra charge'.
I was in tears taking them home as they were crammed in on top of each other and it was horrible and distressing for them. I didnt want that many but it was too late they were simply stuffed in. We had the space at home so it was just the awful journey to deal with.
So my ladies went from not being able to move to loads of space.
Fantastic I thought but alas it was not the perfect fairy tale just yet.
The girls struggled with the fluctuating 'natural' outdoor temperatures.
I was worried what Id done to them when they sort of squatted out of the shed and appeared drunk as they tried to walk around.
They hadnt used their legs much before and so that was why they struggled.
They looked a sorry sight for some time but how fantastic when eventually , minus two who died, they had full feathers and slept (by choice) up a tree at night and ate bugs and stretched their wings and walked and ran with a more muscled merry gait!
I hope you have a great time with your hens too but dont worry if it takes time.
We thought we were being kind and I believe whole heartedly we were but I didnt have the facilities to wean the girls into free range life, they were thrown straight in and so lost a couple who found the transition too stressful with the change of temperature etc.
well done you and good luck

Can I just take the liberty of mentioning that Hen Rehomers UK are due to rescue over 2,000 hens on 24th January 2009 and if anyone is in a position to rehome ex-battery hens to check out the website www.henrehomers.net and complete the application form on the adopting hens section.

The official waiting list is due to close in next few days. Sorry but just found out about this rescue date recently. Hen Rehomers Uk is a group of volunteers who come together to rescue and rehome ex-battery and ex-barn hens. A minimum donation of £1 per hen is required, but I have to say this money goes towards securing the life of the hen and transportation costs. We are a not for profit organisation who works in the best interests of these hens at all times.

Thanks for reading, folks!