The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: dreamer on April 20, 2009, 08:36:26 pm

Title: newbie advice please
Post by: dreamer on April 20, 2009, 08:36:26 pm

hi please can you pass on some advice re keeping hens, i have cleared a space for them and ordered a house for them but i do not have a clue whats next, so how many , what sort, when, feeding? etc etc etc i live in an edge of village area with houses on both sides so noise is an issue i have dogs my slef and there are killer dogs next door which can jump my fence, i have cats around too.

Title: Re: newbie advice please
Post by: Rosemary on April 20, 2009, 08:45:07 pm

In my experience cats won't be a probelm. Killer dogs certainly will and so will boisterous, well meaning dogs. Sounds like you will have to keep your hens enclosed in a secure run.

How many you can have depends on the size of the house and run that you have, and the style of house.

I'd go for a few hybrids - any of the browns or other commercial hybrids until you find your feet a bit.

Title: Re: newbie advice please
Post by: Castle Farm on April 21, 2009, 08:15:21 am

Hello Dreamer.

Have a look on my web site there are a few tips for new keepers there.

www.castlefarmeggs.co.uk

Title: Re: newbie advice please
Post by: The Relic on April 21, 2009, 08:39:31 am

have watched cats stalk my chickens but thats about it they never attacked, the chickens seem to put it up to them. saying that if there was a moggy or a cat in killer mode id say they would have a go but im not sure. i got 6 hens and a rooster starting off converted an old trailer for them, they lay and sleep there but dont seem to take up much space they all huddle up on a perch about 4 foot wide when its bedtime. brown hybrids ive found to be very productive 1 a day off each for the last couple of months. if there are dogs about id keep them closed in. 

Title: Re: newbie advice please
Post by: shetlandpaul on April 21, 2009, 09:09:09 am

We have a number of farm cats near us they are not a problem. the tamest dog will be.

Title: Re: newbie advice please
Post by: doganjo on April 21, 2009, 10:19:11 am

My dogs aren't killers but they r retrievers.  I keep a fence between the birds and the dogs, and let the birds out to roam after the dogs have had a run, then entice the birds back in after the next run for the dogs.  Strange dogs won't come near my garden as my big dog has a BIG bark!

Title: Re: newbie advice please
Post by: dreamer on April 21, 2009, 11:50:55 am

Thanks for all the replys i will continue to read up as much as possible and ask for help when i need it if thats ok thanks again