Bringing home ex-battery hens is a rewarding experience that allows you to give these incredible ladies a second chance at life. Ex-battery hens have spent most of their early lives in confined conditions with little freedom to move, scratch, or even see the sun. For many, this will be their first experience of life outside a cage. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to provide the best care for your new hens, including feeding, health management, and creating a safe, comfortable coop!
1. Feeding Your Ex-Battery Hens
Your new hens have been fed a limited diet of layer mash, a finely ground feed whilst in the laying sheds. Here’s how to ease them into a more varied and nutritious diet:
Start with Layer Mash: For the first week, feed your hens the same layer mash they are used to, gradually mixing in your preferred feed over time.
Introduce Treats Slowly: These hens may not initially recognise treats as food. Introduce fresh foods like vegetable peels and fruit in small amounts to prevent digestive upset. Slow and steady wins the race here!
Supplement for Health: Ex-battery hens are often deficient in calcium and vitamin D. Offering a vitamin supplement and calcium-rich feed can help them regain strength and health.
2. Ensuring Access to Fresh Water
Since your hens are accustomed to drinking from a small, drip-style nipple feeder, you’ll need to gently show them how to drink from a bowl. Try splashing your fingers in the water to draw their attention, helping them associate the bowl with a drinking source.
Tip: Always ensure they have a constant supply of fresh water during the day. Once they’ve adjusted, they won’t need water at night when they’re roosting.
3. Managing Behaviour and Bullying
As your hens settle in, they’ll establish a pecking order, which might lead to some pecking and minor squabbles. Here’s how to ease the transition:
Provide Space: Make sure there’s enough room for each hen to escape if needed. More space means fewer fights!
Multiple Feeding Stations: Place food bowls in separate areas of the coop to prevent dominant hens from guarding all the food.
Add Distractions: Hang shiny CDs or a cabbage in the coop for entertainment. Keeping them busy with other activities can reduce aggressive behaviours.
Separating Bullies: If one hen is overly aggressive, you may need to temporarily separate her until the others settle down.
4. Introducing Rescued Hens to an Existing Flock
Introducing new hens to an established flock requires patience. Here are some guidelines for a smooth transition:
Start with a Visual Introduction: Keep new and established hens in separate areas divided by chicken wire so they can see each other without contact. This helps reduce aggression.
Feed Together in Neutral Territory: When you first introduce them, scatter food in different areas to distract the hens from each other.
Watch for Posturing: Some hens will puff up their feathers and use their posture to assert dominance. This is normal and should settle as they acclimate.
5. Health Checks, Vaccinations, and Worming
Ex-battery hens are usually vaccinated, but you’ll need to establish a worming and mite treatment schedule to keep them healthy.
Worming: Worm your hens within their first month and every three months thereafter.
Mite Treatment: Check for mites regularly, especially around the base of feathers. Dust baths help hens manage mites naturally, but you can use mite dust or sprays as needed, typically every 3-6 months. We use Ivermectin 5mg/g liquid, dosage depends on the size of the hen!
Signs of Illness: Keep an eye out for lethargy, lack of appetite, or signs of bullying. Weak hens may benefit from a sugar water mixture (2 tbsp of sugar in 100ml boiling water, cooled) administered by a syringe to boost energy.
6. Preparing the Coop
A safe, comfortable coop is essential. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Protection from Predators: Predators like foxes, dogs, and even snakes can threaten your hens. Make sure the coop has secure walls and a solid floor, or use buried wire mesh to prevent digging. If you live in a snake-prone area, ensure the coop is snake-proof with tightly sealed gaps.
Comfortable Bedding: Ex-battery hens are used to warm, enclosed spaces, so line their coop with plenty of straw, particularly in winter when temperatures drop.
Ventilation: Good airflow is essential to prevent respiratory issues, especially in warmer months. Position vents to allow air to flow without creating drafts.
Gradual Access to Perches: Due to muscle weakness, avoid high perches initially. If your coop has a ramp, you may need to lift the hens up for the first few nights until they get stronger.
Tip for Snake Prevention: Keep the area around your coop clear of debris where snakes might hide, and consider installing snake mesh or fine wire around the coop’s base.
7. Creating a Natural Environment
Encouraging natural behaviours can significantly improve the quality of life for ex-battery hens:
Dust Baths: Dust bathing is an instinctual and pleasurable way for hens to clean their feathers and control parasites. Create a dedicated dust bath area with dry, loose soil or sand.
Foraging and Scratching: Allow space for your hens to scratch, peck, and forage, which will enrich their environment and stimulate their natural instincts.
8. The Joy of Rescuing Ex-Battery Hens
Taking care of ex-battery hens is not only about providing food, water, and shelter but also offering them an environment where they can express their natural behaviours. Watching them bask in the sun, scratch in the dirt, or take a dust bath for the first time is incredibly rewarding. With patience and care, you’ll see them flourish and gain confidence in their new life outside of the factory farm.
Adopting ex-battery hens is a journey of discovery, compassion, and patience. By giving them the love and care they’ve missed out on, you’re not only improving their lives but experiencing the joy of seeing them transform into happy, healthy hens.
With these tips, you’re well-prepared to offer your hens a safe, loving, and fulfilling life. Enjoy every moment with these special ladies and know that you’re making a real difference in their lives!
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