Poultry Basics
There are some things you'll need to think about if you're going to keep hens, or any other livestock for that matter. Most importantly, any livestock is a 365 days per year commitment. If you're not around, then you MUST make arrangements for another responsible person to feed, water and check over the animals. If you can't do this, then stick to fruit and vegetables.
A couple of misunderstandings that may arise - you don't need a cockerel to get hens to produce eggs and the colour of the egg is not related to the colour of the hen. Our late Brown Leghorn laid white eggs and the Light Sussex, which is white, lays brown tinted eggs.
If you only keep a few hens, then you don't need to register with anyone. If you have more than 50 birds, you need to inform the Great Britain Poultry Register. You may want to check the title deeds of your property - many modern houses prohibit poultry keeping. However, even if the title deeds do prohibit poultry keeping, you may wish to take a chance and proceed anyway, on the understanding that you may be required to get rid of the poultry if someone complains. It is both courteous and sensible to consult with your immediate neighbours at least, prior to committing yourself. Often promises (if they are kept!) of free range eggs is enough to win over the neighbours. And the promise of "no cockerel".
We keep hens mainly for egg production but we do hatch some chicks each year as replacement layers and the males are used as table birds. We've also raised some birds especially for the table - these are specialist strains. However, whether you want to produce your own eggs, raise birds for the table, breed poultry or simply keep them as ornamental pets, there are dozens of different breeds which are suitable for different purposes, so decide what you want to achieve first.
Don't start keeping poultry on a small-scale thinking that you will save money or even less likely, make money. Even after the initial outlay for housing and feeders and the ongoing cost of bedding, feed and grit, you'll find that your reward is seeing your hens happy and thriving, and most of all eating fresher eggs and tastier chicken than you'll find in any supermarket.