chicken coops and question

jensheff26

jensheff26

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im wanting to build another chicken coop for my 9 chickens does anyone else have chickens and if possible can you post pics of chicken coops for some ideas olso my chickens are ex battery hens been told they are about 18month old when they first come they was a mess then are now healthy and full feathered but now they are healthy i havent had a single egg anyone know why? cheers
 
if they were in poor condition when they came and poss moulting (normal in autumn) and days getting shorter then you wouldnt normally expect very much eggs wise until both condition and weather are decent. Normally ex batts would be 1yr-18mths old so that fits. Just love them til the early spring, they will start to lay and when they do you wont know what to do with all the eggs. As a guide I have 11 ex bats and get 11 eggs a day in summer but only 1 between them at this time of year (think they nudge each other to take it in turns). Some people use timed lights to trick hens into laying in the winter but I think ex bats need a rest and dont need more artifical stimulation, they wont live as long if forced.
 
i wouldnt mind if they never layed hence the new very spacious coop that will be started on tomorrow im just glad i know its normal for them not to lay in winter was starting to worry lol sorry just thort of something else one of them has a wonky beek it dosent stop it eating and drinking so is it ok left to it or should i take it to vets sorry never had chickens before
 
I'm sure you will get some eggs come spring, I've had ex bats as well - poor things were in a terrible state initially. Its very satisfying watching them regain condition and confidence. Hope you get loads of eggs in the spring.
 
I keep chickens and a few of mine have started back in lay.
For your coop I would think more on the lines of a shed so that you have enough head height to stand up. It makes cleaning so much easier. Most of mine live in a converted stable and free range out. I do have a few small houses which I use from time to time eg bringing up chicks. They are pretty but fiddly.
Good luck with your chickens, it's a great hobby.
 
sorry for hi jacking the post but just out of interest, if your ex batery hens are only 18months old then how long are they generally kept for at the egg factory places? and do they then just get put down? sorry if dumb questions just seems awfully young to just finish with them
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poor wee things, at least your guys have landed on their feet.
 
yes 18 months old is no age at all but they seem to be thriving now fingers xd that come spring ill have loads of eggs they are only usually kept til about 18months i think they just get sold off at markets and end up on someones plate thats where mine are from i paid £1.20 each for them
 
Aww bless them
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poor wee things. Sounds like yours are some of the lucky ones. if i ever get my own land i'll be sure to get some ex battery hens. thanks for answering my question.
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[ QUOTE ]
For best results for laying make sure you feed layers pellets as well as corn.

[/ QUOTE ]

Battery hens will be used to a mash or crumb ration and have to be weaned onto pellets!
 
it sounds like its because of the winter they shouldnt care about size because they layed in tny little cages at battery fars like the size of a cat box

the other thing is that battery farms get rid of birds when they have past there optimum laying age so they may be older than 18mnths and used up all there eggs
 
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