Yesterday we went to collect and rehome some more ex-battery hens via the Battery Hen Welfare Trust. This bunch were in quite good form with a bit of strength and 'perkiness' about them despite the sorrowful state of their bodies. We first rehomed 10 battery hens 2 years ago and I'm pleased to report that some of those are still with us and have enjoyed a good quality life with considerably extended life expectancy. The girls below are just venturing out of their transport box, somewhat bewildered at the concepts of sunshine, grass and fresh air. Before too long their combs will change to a more healthy red and their feathers will fairly slowly come back too. In today's rain showers some of them noticeably shivered so we popped them into the hen house to keep warmer as their bodies start adjusting to the variable temperatures of the outside world.
Today's weather was so much better than the forecast of storms and humungous rain so a bit of gardening time was presented. We're currently picking salad leaves, spinach, chard, sorrel, peas, broad beans, radish, onions and new potatoes. Plus one courgette so far. Very exciting! Well we're pretty chuffed anyway. Not too long ago this area was a bleak concrete n mud mess so the change is very inspiring. Most crops are thriving although the french beans are looking a bit peelywally and something ate all but one of the young courgette plants (mouse?). Thoughts and plans already abound for next year - more peas to be grown as they're just totally gorgeous; the potatoes are going in the bed which seems to have an awful lot of weed seeds in it to help clear those out; more beds will be under construction before too long and as usual I haven't really got my head around succession planting.
7 comments:
What a sorry sight the chickens are - glad they have found a good home! Your vegetable patch is VERY impressive - lucky you!
Veg patch looks fab - don't let the chickens in!
Well done you for your battery hen rescue. There is a pattern somewhere for knitting/making battery hen jumpers for until their feathers grow back! Honestly there is - but you'll have to google it!
CKx
Those poor hens, they are so lucky to have found a home with you.
yes! poor hens - what a state... thank you for giving them a good home. Glad you enjoyed your hols, hope you are all revived! cx
thanks for all your comments
the hens are settling in well although I'm afraid I won't be knitting for them - they're acclimitising naturally!
we now have eggs galore so we're planning some ice cream making and meringue making sessions
Oh your garden looks soo pretty as well as productive - dead jealous!
Well done you for housing the chooks I am sure they will go from strength to strength.
CKx
Well done Would love to hear how your girls are getting on now. We got 4 in April and love them to bits. They are getting their feathers back nicely now. Am knitting the wooly jumpers as quick as I can to send for the colder weather rescues and have made 7 now. They are quite easy. I am no knitter. Kind Regards Dawn
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