The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: zoe_emma on April 16, 2013, 08:57:12 pm

Title: First hens
Post by: zoe_emma on April 16, 2013, 08:57:12 pm

I got the news today that subject to availability bhwt are getting hens out in our area, so the 16 we reserved should be with us on the 12th May!

I'm very excited! My OH has built a large run with two coops which can be kept separate if needed. We plan on having half rescues and half 'posh' chickens as my daughter calls them! Just some chosen for their egg laying ability.

These are our very first hens and I can't wait!

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: Rosemary on April 16, 2013, 09:02:08 pm

I remember how excited we were to get our first hens - and we only got three. We went all the way to Oban to get them and one laid an egg in the car on the way home  :excited:

Enjoy!

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: Carl f k on April 16, 2013, 09:08:04 pm

You'll be busy watching there antics..and get overrun with eggs, hope you like eggs :roflanim:

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: zoe_emma on April 16, 2013, 09:12:58 pm

Good, the more the better! I have people queuing up to buy them!
:excited:

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: Dizzycow on April 16, 2013, 09:25:28 pm

SO exciting. I could barely sleep when I got my first two, and am all excited about hatching some more soon, despite being an old hand. Love it. Have fun!  :)

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: mentalmilly on April 17, 2013, 08:59:18 am

I started out with 6 now have 31 + eggs under a broody.  Things can get a bit out of hand. Its lovely.

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: HelenVF on April 17, 2013, 09:21:38 am

I started with 3 and now have.....17, plus turkeys, ducks and a goose!  It is very, very addictive, particularly when you start with the hatching plans lol!

The first egg from a new chicken is still a thrill though, even have 10 years. 

What "posh" breeds are you going to get?

Helen

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: zoe_emma on April 17, 2013, 02:42:20 pm

It really is very exciting!

I am not sure which hens to buy - any recommendations for good layers would be helpful  :)

I have started to look around but doesn't seem to be much about in my area. Maybe I don't know where to look? Going to try local farmers market on saturday.

I suggested getting a couple of turkeys ready for xmas but my OH is not keen on the idea. Eventually I would like to get an incubator and hatch chicks but it all costs money so need to make some from selling eggs to re-invest!

Title: Re: First hens
Post by: HelenVF on April 17, 2013, 04:01:03 pm

I would go for the hybrids, which is what I started out on - light sussex cross, black rock etc.  They are the really good layers.  It was only after a few years, I started to get interested in actual breeds so chose speckled sussex and old english pheasant fowl.  They do lay, but I don't have them for eggs really, but do have various other crosses for laying.

Turkeys are excellent.  My brother has reared 3 in his back garden in Bedford for the past couple of years.  He said he spent hours just watching them.

I hatched my first eggs under a broody and only got an incubator a few years ago.

Helen