Batteries Included!
Today was a very special day indeed. 750 ex-battery chickens were released and rehomed by the amazing British Hen Welfare Trust and we had the pleasure of bringing home four lovely ladies.
Before arriving at the collection point, we had a walk in the Surrey Hills with Molly, promising her that she wouldn’t be forgotten once we got chickens! It was a gorgeous spring day and the woods were full of snowdrops and there was a real warmth in the sun.
Then it was on to the farm where 350 ladies were being rehomed. Here they are:
There were quite a few who looked oven-ready, poor things, but all looked eager to embrace their new life. It’s hard to imagine the lives that they’ve had to endure: kept in tiny cages indoors with no natural light or earth to scratch around in – all in the name of producing cheap eggs. Looking at them here, it really makes you aware of how important it is to buy free-range eggs.
With our four chickens chosen, it was time to head for home.
And they soon settled down in the boot of the car, making a chickeny cushion in the corner of the cage – sweet!
Once, home, we introduced them to their coop and it was straight in for a bite to eat and a scratch around.
One of them even climbed the ladder and found herself a nest box. We had to give the others a hand but there weren’t any complaints after what must have been a very big day for them!
Aw Victoria, they are beautiful! I’m sure they will soon grow accustomed to a life of luxury in the ‘burbs! What a wonderful thing you are doing! All the best to you and the Ladies! xxx
Oh, Victoria, I’m so glad they arrived safely and I’m sure they’ll soon settle into their luxury accommodation. All of my sister’s rescuees eventually grew their feathers back, with the exception of one, who continues to live bare-chested but appears to, literally, rule the roost!
Good luck with them.
Love Wendy x