To chook or not to chook!?

[Glutton4...]

It was just a guideline ...............

LOL Yup, I know. In at the deep end and all that! Easy to see why I chose my Vine name now innit?!

[dexterdoglancashire]

I'd definately go for it. I did! It's one of the best things I've ever done.

[dogsbody]

I have been through the ups and downs of ex-batts although mine had been well "rescued" before I got them so didn't have to go through the bald no-feather phase and would thoroughly recommend them if you can find a similar source to mine. I have been through two batches of 4 over the last 5 years losing them to fox and old age and whilst I am currently without (last died last weekend) I am already looking forward to my next batch.

You can even train them to come to call (with the help of bread and / or mealworms)

Cannot recommend it highly enough! Don't forget the slug population will be decimated!!

[Ger-annie-um]

what can I say ................ thank you all so much. Yes it's the eggs I can eat - major problems with eating the chooks, but I can learn, I hope! The chicks would be pre-batt although I had no idea that there were such a thing as hens that didn't make the battery grade. I have an idea that maybe that could work in a chicks favour.We are thinking of starting with 6 hens and they will have quite an area to roam in - approx 10 metres by 5 metres, is this enough. When we are around they will be let out to roam around a bit more. i am going to need advice on, feeding, mites, water - oh lord, just about everything, it's a bit like being a new mum just no health visitor to give you lowdown!!!!

[Ger-annie-um]

and.....................it's a shame you are all so far away I would be really tempted to turn up and see how the experts do it. I was once told the definition of an expert was the person in the room who knew the most about the topic under discussion. That's you guys!

[its hilly]

Sounds big enough to me, 50 sq m is err.. around 8sq m each, think its been said on here that penned hens ideally need at least 2 sq m each (someone now should drop in and correct me if thats wrong) esp. as they'll be let out too.
Consisder us all as a collective health visitor
And I started with 3..and now have over 40, none of which would have been possible without the experts on here (thanks guys)

[its hilly]

PS you have to pay for advice the normal currency is LOTS OF PICIS

[ChrisB]

To Chook or not to Chook - what a silly question

Chook of course.

You have the house, you have the run. Get some strong healthy birds, pop them in the house with food and water, and learn the rest on the job.

Tis that simple - honest

[BUFFS]

you should go for it,with all the experts on this site,i have found that no matter what your problem is,there is always someone who knows the answer.you will not regret it,i trained mine to follow the corn tin,so i can now lead them where i want them to forage(like a pied piper) and it always makes me laugh to see their silly run as they try to be first to eat from my hand,i wouldnt be without them now,you will never get better eggs..good luck.