Tuesday 18 March 2008

Chook Chook Chook Chooky

That's what I can be heard to say at 6.30am every morning these days. The neighbours, who already think I'm one sandwich short of a picnic, now know I'm one sandwich short of a picnic. Yes, the hens have arrived.

They are in a bit of a sorry state having spent all of their short lives in a very small cage churning out eggs day in day out. But, within a few weeks, their feathers should have grown back and they will have fully adjusted to their new life.













































Twenty-four million chickens are currently battery farmed in Britain ensuring the low prices of eggs and chicken products. In small cages not large enough to turn around, thousands of chickens endure the monotony of life spent eating and laying. Whilst it is easy to lay the blame with the farmers, they are only supplying a demand for cheap eggs. If more people gave some thought to where their eggs came from, maybe this practice would stop.

These four, who I've yet to name so any suggestions would be appreciated, are amazing! One took to freedom with ease, with a second follwing closely behind. The third is well on her way and the fourth is still a little shy but is slowly getting the idea of freedom.

And The Lurchers? Lurcher No.1 has turned into a slavering beast screaming "let me at 'em". She usually has to be dragged outside for a pee but now she's first at the door. Lurcher No.2 is pretty laid back about the whole thing, he wanders up to the run, says hello and then mooches off to find something more interesting. Brodie just barks at them. And pinches the eggs that I thought I'd put safely out of reach!

18 comments:

  1. wodnerful looking chookies - my husband would be very envious!

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  2. Cool - chickens!!!

    Yeah, why on earth do shops STILL sell battery farmed eggs etc???
    If the supermarkets etc stopped supplying them, then it would stop the demand.
    I stunned that people aren't willing to pay like 20p more for fair eggs... GRRR :[]

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  3. Oh, no! Brodie's an egg-suckin' hound!

    There was an article recently in my local paper about how a carton of 12 eggs now costs US$2. Evidently, that's shocking and a substantial rise in cost in only a short period of time. But I've been buying free-range eggs for several years now, so I'm accustomed to paying more than that for a carton of 12. An article in the PETA magazine about what you call battery hens so horrified me that I decided to stop buying regular eggs and chicken. To my surprise, I found that the free-range eggs tasted better and lasted longer in the fridge.

    What about naming one of the hens Glinda, as in Glinda Good Witch of the North?

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  4. Those poor chickens! Well at least your 4 will live a happy, roaming free life! I just wish we could say the same for the rest. That's just cruel!

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  5. oOHH porr Chickens!! Won't they be loving you!!

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  6. You will soon have eggs flying out of them while the dogs salivate on the other side of the fence!! (Only joking). It's great that you have given them a good home. You might very well have more eggs than you know what to do with soon. Happy Hens lay a lot and they are going to be VERY happy.

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  7. Those are lucky chickens. They looks like they've been through it before coming to you.

    A dozen eggs here in Oklahoma cost $1.50 yesterday. $2.00 seems a little high. I needed a dozen fast yesterday, so I bought at the grocery, but my farm fresh eggs cost only $1.00 per dozen.

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  8. Thanks for the update. I look forward to the "new" and imporved photos. These gals are sure to be happy living with you.

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  9. You must post some photos when the feathers have grown back. I don't have any ideas for names though. I'll ponder it.

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  10. Good for you! I wish I could do that (keep chickens I mean). We've started buying our eggs from a local guy who lets them free range. They taste delicious; worth the extra money. Trying to go more local these days. Phase 1.5 to begin soon. Your chickens look sad now but will be looking good soon I'm sure.

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  11. We used to keep chickies - they're great, and have a brilliant social structure.

    We now get our eggs from the free-range farm up the road - £4 for a tray of 30, as long as you try not to run over the chickens on the drive!

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  12. I can buy free range eggs at the supermarket now. They cost more, but they taste better, and I feel better.
    I can promise you my whippets would have chicken for supper though if they had the slightest chance.
    I can't wait to see the "after" photos with their feathers all filled in!

    all the best
    Patience

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  13. Yea Angela!! they are gorgeous!!! You are doing a wonderful thing!!

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  14. Do they have names yet?

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  15. lucky should be one.

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  16. ps. I ONLY buy eggs that indicate they are range... and fed no by products etc.

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  17. Good for you!

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  18. Oh the poor babies! Im glad they have found such a lovely new home! I am still waiting to get my chickens, so far all I have is the concrete slab in the corner where their house is supposed to go!

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