Ex-battery hens in Melbourne?

[Marta]

Three of the chooks we got are standard isas, and three are sussex, so maybe we'll get lucky like your mum! I have to confess that the other 3 are silkies. Doubt they fulfil your dual-purpose criteria (unless cuteness is considered a purpose ).

[pippimac]

Silkies are the best mums of all. just don't get them wet: it's a tragic sight! All the banties I've met are really 'personable'/smart, which is great except they also tend to be talented escapologists...
I must remember than things have functions other than being my dinner!
Leila

[eco4560]

Cuteness is ABSOLUTELY a function. So is the reduction in blood pressure that happens when you cuddle a silky....

[Greenmama]

I can't help with where to buy ex-battery hens in Vic, but I live in Perth and we bought some ex-farm chickens directly from a free range farm (which by the way, isn't as wonderful as we all imagine).

Our chickens were debeaked (the top beak was cut so that they had an under bight) they had no feathers from being pecked at and a whole heap of funny personality quirks. The guy picked them up by the foot and shoved them all into a wheat bag together to take home - I've never seen anything like it. They were quite funny little chooks with really interesting personalities and once they had been fed and cared for, grew back all their feathers and lasted for another good couple of years after we bought them. I really miss those girls.

If you want to buy ex-battery hens it's as simple as turning up to a farm. They get rid of hens very young - within the first year, so they are very happy to sell you a few for cash in hand.

[Volksymel]

Hey everyone, Just thought i'd give an update on my search for battery hens in melbourne.

I did find a place in Coldstream (near Lilydale), Wagners Poultry, that sells their end of season (18 month old) hens for $3 each.

They've lived their lives in a cage so it's a great feeling to give these girls a second chance and for them to experience what a real life should be like.

That's all I get now, I don't even care if they don't give me eggs, but they do.

Cheers
Melissa