The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Anke on February 15, 2020, 10:33:00 pm
-
Craigievern Poultry for replacement hens and/or ducks? Recommended or not (maybe by pm if not/why)
We had a bit of a disaster on the cockerel front last summer and are a bit short of hens in lay this spring, looking to buy in a batch of POL preferably, that I can then also use to breed replacement from (I am happy with Heinz 57 offspring, so breeds not that important).
If not, any recommendations for other suppliers in North East England and/or Southern/Central Scotland?
-
I've used https://www.durhamhens.co.uk/hens-for-sale (https://www.durhamhens.co.uk/hens-for-sale) Durham Hens at Tow Law on the A68, and https://www.edinburghchickens.com/ (https://www.edinburghchickens.com/) at Rosewell near Penicuik. The second one certainly buys in her hens at POL and they are kept in a barn until sale, the first I couldn't work out if they bred them themselves, but they do seem to be let out for a while each day. Both places sell happy healthy hens.
If you get some hens from Craigievern I will be interested in your opinion about them.
Edinburgh Chickens has a wonderful tabby cat called Tomasina - we named one of our stripey hens after her :hughen:
-
Hi Anke,
Yes, we've had geese and ducks from Craigievern several times, and with no issues :thumbsup: .
Edit - oh, and Sasso chicks for meat too, now I come to think of it :yum: .
-
I have used Craigievern for the past 2 years.
I got a mixed lot of layer day olds which went on in turn to produce an even more mixed lot with my various cocks.
I have also had 2 dozen broiler day olds for the past 2 years. They grow really fast and taste really good. Out of the batch I probably lost 2 or 3 chicks each time but this I am sure was just down to pecking order and the runts being weeded out.
Not tried their ducks or geese yet but I will this spring.
Craigievern are the agent for Piggots in Norfolk or somewhere like that so I think they get o lot of their day olds shipped up for distribution around Scotland.
Anyway, in my experience they are good and reliable.
-
Thanks for the replies.
Fleecewife - I have looked at the Edinburgh Hens website - I am a bit unsure of the their slightly cutesy and cuddly layout, but I guess they are appealing to the city dweller... Have also seen Durham hens, and will be asking some of my Northeast contacts if they have had any from there.
I might just fancy a trip to Lomond though at some point...., esp as I am mulling over the idea of some ducks and maybe some meatchicks as well....
-
We've used Craigievern for a number of years for POL and day old meat chicks. Very reliable, healthy stock. No problem recommending. In fact, I'll be collecting the 2020 batches soon!
-
Hi Anke,
Yes, we've had geese and ducks from Craigievern several times, and with no issues :thumbsup: .
Edit - oh, and Sasso chicks for meat too, now I come to think of it :yum: .
Womble did you get Sasso recently from there - as I've looked on the website and can't see any Sasso?
-
It was probably three years ago [member=124905]Polyanya[/member] . They definitely do still stock meat chicks, but I don't know what breed these days.
Best just give Jane a call. She's very helpful.
-
Excuse me butting in Polyanya.
On Craigievern website go to day olds then at day old meat chicks open the 'download more info' and you will find Sasso included with others.
-
Many thanks Womble and graemeatwellbank I shall check it out - sorry for hijacking your thread Anke :eyelashes: