Rescue ex-battery hens
Incredibly rewarding, but expect rehab: feather regrowth, parasites, weaker bones, and extra care early on.
Ratings
Use ratings to compare breeds quickly — then meet birds in person.
Best for
- Families who want calm handling (with supervision).
Watch outs
- Higher maintenance: more cleaning, more mud management, and more parasite vigilance.
- Rescues can need rehab time and extra health support early on.
Housing & run notes (UK reality)
This breed will only look “easy” if your setup is.
- Start with space. Bigger runs reduce bullying and boredom for every breed (including “friendly” ones).
- Ventilation beats warmth. Damp + ammonia causes respiratory problems faster than cold weather.
- Plan for mud. UK winters turn runs into sludge unless you design drainage, roofing, or rotation.
- Have a quarantine plan. New birds and rescues need separation to protect your existing flock.
Temperament & handling
Friendliness is rated 4/5. That’s a “typical” vibe — not a promise. Handling improves when birds feel safe, have space, and get consistent calm interactions.
| Kid‑friendly? | Yes (typically) |
|---|---|
| Noise level | 3/5 (Hens can still do an ‘egg song’.) |
| Broodiness | Low (can reduce laying during broody spells) |
| Upkeep effort | 4/5 (cleaning + parasites + mud management) |
Eggs & care expectations
Want to avoid most health drama? Dial in nutrition basics + routine checks early.
Quick FAQ
Is Rescue ex-battery hens a good breed for beginners?
Not ideal as a first pick. You can absolutely keep them, but you’ll do better once your routine and setup are already dialled in.
What egg colour do they lay?
Typical egg colour is Brown (but shade varies by line, diet and age).
Are they good with children?
Typically yes, especially with consistent gentle handling and good run space — but children still need supervision and ‘no grabbing’ rules.
Do they go broody?
Broodiness is listed as Low. When hens go broody they can stop laying and become very determined. Plan how you’ll manage it.
