Last week, a small flock of hens arrived at the farm, and let me tell you, they were a sight. Missing feathers all over, underweight, and looking a little rough around the edges—but they were laying eggs like crazy. These poor girls were clearly survivors, and we knew right away they needed some extra love.
First things first, we separated them from the rest of the flock. Not because we’re antisocial, but because biosecurity is no joke. The last thing we wanted was to accidentally introduce diseases to our healthy birds. Plus, it gave these ladies their own little spa retreat to recover and thrive.
Now, let’s talk feathers. If you’ve ever rescued hens, you know missing feathers can make them look downright pitiful. But here’s the amazing part: they already have feather shafts visible from regrowth! It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Don’t count us out just yet.” We’ve put them on the same high-protein feed we give our existing flock because protein is the secret sauce for feather regrowth and egg laying. On top of that, they’ve been getting protein boosters like a ham bone with some meat still clinging to it. (Yes, hens are opportunistic omnivores—they’ll thank you for the protein.)
And you know what? It’s working. These girls are putting on weight, growing feathers, and laying eggs like champions. Watching them transform day by day is a reminder of why we do this—why rescuing even the scrappiest of birds is worth the effort.
These hens are teaching us something valuable: resilience. They’ve come from what I can only imagine were pretty tough conditions, but they’re bouncing back with gusto. There’s something deeply satisfying about giving animals a second chance and seeing them thrive. It’s not just about the eggs (though, let’s be real, fresh eggs are always a bonus)—it’s about knowing we’ve helped them reclaim their lives.
So, here’s to the hens who refuse to give up and to anyone out there thinking about rescuing animals. It might take a little extra effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Got any rescue animal stories to share? Pull up a chair at the farm table—we’d love to hear them.
Later,
Traci
