An Introduction to Keeping Poultry
We once read somewhere that poultry is usually the first livestock enterprise that budding smallholders are likely to undertake. It was certainly ours, and it is easy to understand why many people get so hooked on hens. Once you've seen the saffron yellow yolk and tasted the silky, creamy white of one of your own free-range hens' eggs you'll never be content with anything less - plus hens bring a whole new dimension to your garden - movement, sound and colour! Each hen is an individual and some can be real characters and, if handled young, they can be good pets for children.
Here we offer some encouragement to those considering keeping hens of their own for egg production or for the table.
Don't be put off by the chapters in poultry-keeping books that list all of the pests, diseases, ailments and bad habits to which hens can succumb (they have to fill all those pages with something!). In our experience common-sense and doing the basics well goes a long way to ensuring a happy, healthy flock.
- Poultry basics
- Breeds
- Buying hens
- Housing
- Food & drink
- Pests & diseases
- Eggs
- Hatching and rearing chicks
- Chickens for the table
If we've missed anything out, or got something wrong, please drop into the forums and tell us! We may not know the answer, but chances are someone there will.