Having seen the little bit about chickens on this site, I've decided to keep a few but have no idea what to do and there is not much information here to help me apart from the cage size. Starting with basics, how many chickens do i need for 12 to 15 eggs a week and what size cage do they need? Do i also need a cockerel or can it be just hens?
Which breeds are best? I am sure I can read books on the subject but some personal help to get started would be appreciated.
OwnGrown Discussion Forums » Garden livestock
Keeping Chickens
(5 posts)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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Hi tonyj. I also want to keep chickens and am looking at this. could the owngrown people who do this owngrown site give us some more information??
Posted 3 years ago # -
Some information is now on the main site. A cockerel is not needed and there is a very good little book caled "Starting with Chickens" by Katie Thear which should give all the information you need to get started.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Keeping chickens is the best thing I have ever done, it is a stress buster if ever there was one. They will repay with eggs as long as you keep them in clean, well looked after conditions. When I started I was clueless so I went to the local library and read everything I could. We currently have 4 hens, a mixed batch and they are providing 3 eggs a day. I have had cockerels in the past but I find the ladies are happier without one especially as I don't intend to incubate and breed at present.
My tips are - invest in good housing to start off with, use good quality layers pellets, keep the house and run clean, worm/louse treat regularly and speak to them!
have fun!Posted 3 years ago # -
As a very new member, (just registered), I read with interest about your venture into the world of Chickens. My wife and I started with chickens about four months ago and our intention was to have four from a Battery Farm rescue org. We ended up having eight!!!. At the moment we get 6 to 7 lovely X-Large eggs a day of which we sell to friends around us at 60p a half dozen when we have surplass to our needs, the income going towards chicken feed. Anyway just another tip, nobody has mentiond, we collect all the chicken droppings for the compost heap they say its good for the ground, an old bucket a pair of marigolds and a wall paper scraper thats all thats required.
Posted 3 years ago #
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