Rescue hens

[Milton34]

hi, I am doing lots of research with an aim to get some (3) chickens in the spring. I had thought we'd get some rescue hens from the BHWT, but the more I read, the more I'm worried that's not a good idea for me as someone with no chicken keeping experience. Any views on whether I should or not?
The other thing I'd like your advice on is: the area I'm planning to put the run has had a large snowberry bush on it, now cleared; the earth is currently bare with dead bits of branch sticking out of it, and lots of old roots in the soil. I was thinking of putting woodchip directly on this, but would I be better making the extra effort to pave the area before putting woodchip down? It's a bit complicated as it's also sloping... But we need to make the run predator proof as we have foxes around. I'd let the hens free range if I'm about during the day.
Many thanks in advance for any advice!

[Milton34]

Well, decision has kind of been made for us... hens seem to be in huge demand at the moment, our local supplier (in the SE) is predicting they’ll have sold out tomorrow. BHWT has stopped taking new registrations. I’ve registered with a rescue charity and am hoping to get some in a few weeks 🤞

[Elouera]

My MIL minds a neighbours hens and was going to get her own. I bought her the 'keeping chickens for dummies' and read it cover to cover. I'd love rescue chickens myself, but currently in a flat in central London! Can't give any advice, but hope you can rescue some battery hens and give them a more rewarding life.

[Milton34]

We have recently got four girls from Fresh Start for Hens. Settling in slowly, but it’s lovely to watch them growing in confidence! Very happy that we got rescues in the end. They were from a free range Farm but still not in the best shape.

[Elouera]

I'm jealous of the yummy, fresh eggs you will get soon. Thanks for the update x

[Feelingfestivenow]

Enjoy your new hens! They will give you (hopefully) years of enjoyment to come.

They may not lay right away, but soon. I wanted to get more but none to be had in my area.

Make sure you keep any eye out if you are letting them free range, not only for Mr Fox, but at this time hens are been stolen for both eggs and meat, I have had this happen in the past.

Keep us all updated with their progress.