How can I save ex-battery hens?

It's good to be prepared Gecko.  Even my pullets from an Isa Brown place have their beaks cut and don't know what real food is.  Their diet shouldn't change too suddenly from dry food only, so I'm gradually introducing small amounts of green weeds and earthworms.  First few days they pecked them but didn't eat them.  They pecked everything, walls newspaper, and each other.  Today (day 5) they sure know what worms are and are eating bits of grass even with rounded beaks.  And they don't peck each other any more.  Yours will be in worse shape with a year more of a hard life in a small cage.  They may have trouble walking or getting on a perch till their muscles build up and they learn how to do it.

Definately they'll need to be kept warm for a few weeks at least.  These frosty mornings are much colder than the big crowded warm shed they're used to.  My pullets are in a pen under the carport for a couple of weeks to toughen up and stay dry, then the pen will be put outside.  Yours will need longer for their feathers to grow back.  

There is some good advice for how to help battery hens adjust to freedom if you googlesearch it.  Good luck with your new girls Gecko.  Ask the place if you can choose your own.  The ones you're meant to have will be waiting for you.

Thanks for the advice Debbo, I need all the help I can get. Although I've had chooks before, I've never had rescues before. Does anyone have any idea on food requirements for them. I'm getting 5 kin fri./ sat. his week, before they go to slaughter. It's just me and my dogs here, and we don't have a lot of scraps. I'vegot a warm, small shed I'll keep them in with straw/ hay for warmth for a few days until they settle a bit. I'm mentally preparing myself for what to expect, as I've seen photos of when they come out of those places. I'm on a pension,,  so any ideas on cheap, quality food would be appreciated. Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted.