If they're roosters, Sue/Mrs G, you have a roast chicken dinner
(Although it might be a good idea to keep one in with the hens to keep them on their toes. I hate the things. Nasty violent animals. Better in the oven.)
Hens are fine without a cockerel - one of the hens becomes 'boss'.
As for cockerels, they're like men - some are lovely, some less so - I once had a fantastic Maran cockerel called Everest 'cos he was sooooo big!!! He was a complete poppet
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I've always fancied the idea of rescuing a couple of battery hens, and letting them live in my garden, I've seen a couple of allotments with them, is it silly of me to think they might get lonely?
My friends have kept chickens on and off for many years and have had some ex-battery hens. Once they start growing feathers back and exploring, scratching and pecking they soon recover and provide eggs. Have at least two - one all alone is reputed to get lonely. Unsurprisingly.
But I thought those batteries had been phased out and it's all barns these days?
I was attacked by their cockerel (Cedric) once, causing me to drop the large basket of plums I'd just gathered. You have to let them know who's boss, I believe, in the early days.
Two or three would be fine SweetPea - there are local rescue groups who can tell you all about it and what you would need, and also provide the hens. A friend has had a couple of batches, they look pretty awful when they first arrive but soon grow new feathers and look the picture of health.
You will need secure fox-proof housing!!! Wherever you live!!!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
My friends have kept chickens on and off for many years and have had some ex-battery hens. Once they start growing feathers back and exploring, scratching and pecking they soon recover and provide eggs. Have at least two - one all alone is reputed to get lonely. Unsurprisingly.
But I thought those batteries had been phased out and it's all barns these days?
I was attacked by their cockerel (Cedric) once, causing me to drop the large basket of plums I'd just gathered. You have to let them know who's boss, I believe, in the early days.
Posts
If they're roosters, Sue/Mrs G, you have a roast chicken dinner
(Although it might be a good idea to keep one in with the hens to keep them on their toes. I hate the things. Nasty violent animals. Better in the oven.)
Hens are fine without a cockerel - one of the hens becomes 'boss'.
As for cockerels, they're like men - some are lovely, some less so - I once had a fantastic Maran cockerel called Everest 'cos he was sooooo big!!! He was a complete poppet
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
A chicken wandered past my window last evening. Must ask around the neighbours to see if any missing. Fox dinner by now probably
In the sticks near Peterborough
Maybe she's a broody with a hidden nest somewhere nearby Nut
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I've always fancied the idea of rescuing a couple of battery hens, and letting them live in my garden, I've seen a couple of allotments with them, is it silly of me to think they might get lonely?
My friends have kept chickens on and off for many years and have had some ex-battery hens. Once they start growing feathers back and exploring, scratching and pecking they soon recover and provide eggs. Have at least two - one all alone is reputed to get lonely. Unsurprisingly.
But I thought those batteries had been phased out and it's all barns these days?
I was attacked by their cockerel (Cedric) once, causing me to drop the large basket of plums I'd just gathered.
You have to let them know who's boss, I believe, in the early days.
Two or three would be fine SweetPea
- there are local rescue groups who can tell you all about it and what you would need, and also provide the hens. A friend has had a couple of batches, they look pretty awful when they first arrive but soon grow new feathers and look the picture of health.
You will need secure fox-proof housing!!! Wherever you live!!!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
How to stop them digging-up the garden.
David
Have you got some roasties and cranberrry to go with that?
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Yes, the small battery cages have been banned, but larger (and IMHO overcrowded) cages are still permitted see here http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/farm/layinghens/farming which is why I always buy locally produced free range eggs .
And yes, you have to let cockerels know who's Cock of the Walk - and it had better be you!!!
David ........... what time do you want us at the table???
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.