CHICKENS - advice

[vegboi]

Hi all hope your having a fab weekend just wondering if anyone can give any advice on varieties and how to keep them


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[veggiechicken]

Hi Vegboi. I've moved your thread into "Rule the Roost" where it will be seen by more Chicken keepers. Have a read through some of the threads here - plenty of info about keeping them but you need to tell us about your thoughts too. How many hens, where would you keep them etc.

[Scarlet]

Hi Vegboi, as a baker I'm presume you want them for eggs? Best have a look around to see what chickens are available to buy near you. Hybrids are easier birds to come by and are good layers. They are flock animals so you really need 3 birds minimum.
Check out your local agricultural store for feed supplies. I use ad lib layers feed and a handful of corn late afternoon. Don't offer too many treats.
They need a secure fenced run to protect from foxes. As VC has advised check out the sticky threads, there are some great ones on coops and runs. Homemade is probably a better investment if you are good at DIY. Creosote inside and out before you get your hens in to deter redmite.
Read through the stickies on worming, general health etc. arm yourself with a little knowledge before you jump in. Come back with anymore questions.

[vegboi]

Hi Vegboi, as a baker I'm presume you want them for eggs? Best have a look around to see what chickens are available to buy near you. Hybrids are easier birds to come by and are good layers. They are flock animals so you really need 3 birds minimum.
Check out your local agricultural store for feed supplies. I use ad lib layers feed and a handful of corn late afternoon. Don't offer too many treats.
They need a secure fenced run to protect from foxes. As VC has advised check out the sticky threads, there are some great ones on coops and runs. Homemade is probably a better investment if you are good at DIY. Creosote inside and out before you get your hens in to deter redmite.
Read through the stickies on worming, general health etc. arm yourself with a little knowledge before you jump in. Come back with anymore questions.

Hi scarlet
Thanks so much I'm really excited , I just love fresh eggs and of course for my cakes. Here's a pic of coup


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[Snadger]

No more than three or four in that size I would say. For egg laying you just can't beat the good old ISA Brown. 320 eggs a year per chook!

If you want something more colourful search Gumtree or Preloved for different breeds close to your home.

I like bantams eggs (more yolk to white ratio) and bantams may be more appropriate for this relatively small area?

[bearded bloke]

Hi Vegboi, fist off chooks are great to have around Second I have one of those coops, with the perch as supplied the maximum number of chickens would be 3, bantams would be 4. However I made a modified perch that fits the other way when I had 4 chickens
As I have posted elsewhere, the laying box will sag unless supported by extra brackets.

[vegboi]

Hi Vegboi, fist off chooks are great to have around Second I have one of those coops, with the perch as supplied the maximum number of chickens would be 3, bantams would be 4. However I made a modified perch that fits the other way when I had 4 chickens
As I have posted elsewhere, the laying box will sag unless supported by extra brackets.

Oh no the advert said between 4 and 8 birds , I am trying to also work out where on plot to put them ,

The first pic I was going to lift a row of Slabs, the second same lift paving slabs and take it to edge of bed or next to shed , what do you think . Thanks a million for the advice

I am going to buy my hens off this company
http://www.cyril-bason.co.uk/laying-pullets/4542116677
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[veggiechicken]

Are you going to give them a run, in addition to the coop?

[vegboi]

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[bearded bloke]

With regard to numbers of birds have a read here bud .. The Poultry Club of Great Britain - Poultry includes chickens, bantams, ducks, geese and turkeys

[vegboi]

Are you going to give them a run, in addition to the coop?

Hi Veggiechicken I thought it was all encompassed in one


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[veggiechicken]

There is a run, but jts not very big. If you keep hens on the same ground all the time you risk a build up of pests and worms.
Will you be able to move the coop to another position every few months?
Will you go to your allotment daily to check on them?

[vegboi]

There is a run, but jts not very big. If you keep hens on the same ground all the time you risk a build up of pests and worms.
Will you be able to move the coop to another position every few months?
Will you go to your allotment daily to check on them?

Yes I plan on going daily and I can move them round. I am wondering how people manage in winter as I'm up and in work for 7 so is it ok to open the house and feed and water them around 6 before work?


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[veggiechicken]

Can't answer that, Mark, as my chooks are in the garden and I let them out whenever I get up

[vegboi]

Can't answer that, Mark, as my chooks are in the garden and I let them out whenever I get up

And I'm worried now I thought the hen coup I got was quite big and with them saying it holds up to eight I thought I'd be ok


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