Ex-Battery Hens

[blackrock]

:)Hi folks -

I just recently joined the Rural Muse forum after seeing it mentioned on another forum. I recognise some people here from the Country Living forum I used to go on quite a bit - maybe not posting a lot - but on it, none the less. :D

I hope it is OK for me to mention this, but if not appropriate or in wrong section, moderators please feel free to move.

I thought you might like to know of a new website regarding rehoming of ex-battery hens. It is www.northlondonhenrescue.org.uk. A rescue is due to take place in the next couple of weeks, so this would be an ideal time for anyone interested in taking on some lovely ex-battery (or indeed ex-barn) ladies to check out the website.

I am helping to co co-ordinate in the South Yorkshire area.

There are a number of excellent concerns out there like the BHWT and 'Free at Last' NLHR have links on their website to these organisations.

Well, guess this is a bit of a weird introduction, but thanks for reading

[jazzactivist]

Not weird at all, blackrock. A warm welcome to Rural Muse to you. There are quite a few 'chicken fanciers' on RM, and threads to do with looking after rehomed ex-batts are common here. RM muse and moderator, Oola, is very knowledgeable about ex-batt chickens. I don't have any, but love reading all the detail about it. Hope to see you posting on the forum. Jazz.

[blackrock]

Thanks, Jazz, for the warm welcome. Yes, I look forward to reading (and posting) on the forum. I have to say the forum looks really good, plenty to read and learn about.

[lily]

Nice to meet you. CL does seem to have nose dived into oblivion.
We have battery rescue hens from near Crediton in Devon, they're really friendly once over the shock of their new surroundings and lay well too.
Hope you will continue to post on RM

[Salle de Bain]

Hi Blackrock,

Great to know another ex-CL-er has joined....I still miss the old site, but really dislike the new one.

Welcome, and good luck with the rehousing project/co-ordination. I too kept battery hens when I lived in Cornwall (sounds as though mine came from the same place as Lily's actually).

I've been looking for similar battery hen rescuers over here in Ireland, but have so far drawn a blank. I would like to do it again.....it's so rewarding, and so lovely to see the girls enjoying their new found freedom, blue sky and sunshine (well....when we actually have some blue sky.....where has the summer gone?!!!).

[sunflower]

I have five ex bats which have now turned into five spoilt brats!!! They are looking really beautiful now, fully feathered, twice as big, and seem to be a very happy flock. Thanks for the link about rescue hens.

[Ma Larkin]

Hello blackrock. i have taken a look at the site i may be interested, ive been thinking of getting couple of hens and this did cross my mind. welcome to RM.

Ma larkin

[Katelb]

I found this poem written by Pam Ayres,I thought that it might be appropriate to put it on here.

Oh I am a battery hen,
On me back there's not a germ,
I never scratched a farmyard,
And I never pecked a worm,I never had the sunshine,
To warm me feathers through,
Eggs I Lay,everyday,
For the likes of you.

When you have them scrambled,
Piled up on your plate,
It's me what you should thank for that,
I never lays them late,
I always lays them reg'lar
I always lays them right,
I never lays them brown,
I always lays them white.

But it's no life,for a battery hen,
In me box I'm sat,
A funnel stuck out from the side,
Me pellets comes down that,
I gets a squirt of water,
Every half a day,
Watchin' with me beady eye,
Me eggs roll away.

I lay them in a funnel,
Strategically placed,,
So that I don't kick'em,
And let them go to waste,
They rolls off down the tubing,
And up the gagway quick,
Sometimes I gets to thinkin'
"That could have been a chick"

I might have been a farmyard hen,
Scratchin' in the sun,
There might have been a crowd of chicks,
After me to run,
There might have been a cockerel fine,
To pay us his respects,
Instead of sittin' here,
Till someone comes and wrings our necks.

I see the Time and motion Clock,
Is saying nearly noon,
I 'spec me squirt of water,
Will come flyin' at me soon,
And then me spray of pellets,
Will nearly break me leg,
And I'll bite the wire nettin',
And lay one more bloody egg.


A sad but descriptive little poem,I guess it is exactly what a battery hen would say if it could talk.