[whitby_sam]

Hi,
Its been a while since I last posted so Hi again...

The missus and I have decided we'd like to keep chickens and we're looking for advice on, well, the basics really.

We have a shed and a run for them but we're not sure which breed we'd like to keep. We've been told that Marans produce lovely large eggs. We've got enough space to keep 20+ but would prefer to have maybe 6 or 8 and offer them more space. There are only 3 of us so we don't need hens that'll produce loads and loads of eggs. We'd prefer fewer and better quality. Once we've got the shed in place and fox-proofed we'll be off to market so any advice on what to look for, where to start, whether we can but a few of maybe 2 or 3 types etc.

We have neighbours so will probably avoid a cockerill for the time being. Is this going to cause us problems?

Thanks

[doganjo]

No need for a cockerel at all.  Why not go for ex battery hens - www.bhwt.co.uk  You may not get 100% lay out of them but you save their lives and they are friendly so are good as pets too.  I have pure hens (light Sussex) as well as ex batts and I'd choose them every time.  You will need a drinker of some sort - I use stainless steel dog bowls - really big ones, and you'll need a container for their food too.  You also need to decide whether to leave food out for them all the time (ad lib) or feed at certain times.  I prefer to give mine two meals a day as they get to know you better that way - more humanised.  They look for you coming.
I measure out how much mine need and divide by two to get their morning and evening meal.  They get it thrown on the ground as their run is in sharp sand, with some onto flat plastic dishes (tesco picnic type platters) (whoever suggested the sharp sand thank you muchly, it's the best thing I've ever done.)
Just my way of doing things - you'll develop your own as time goes on

[Rosemary]

Everyone has their favourite breed. Any of the hybrids (incl ex batts) are good layers. I like Black Rocks as I think they are very hardy, but the bloke I get my meat chicks off swears by white Leghorns - don't eat much as they are light birds but lay well (white eggs). Some breeds like Marans lay very dark brown eggs and the legbars lay blue or green eggs.

If flat out production isn't your aim - pick and mix and enjoy.

[The Relic]

to rephrase a maggie thatcher quote "quality is quality is quality". feed them, water them and care for them and you will get the best eggs you have ever tasted no matter what breed of bird you get.

[sausagesandcash]

Oh Relic if only the other Dubs could hear you now!!   

[MiriMaran]

Definitely get a few different breeds.  Ex-batts are fab as well and are fascinating to watch as they adapt to living outside.  Good Luck!

[whitby_sam]

Well they've arrived. 9 Marans, a selection of Cuckoo and Black. They're quite young and I'm told they won't lay for a couple of months but it'll give them time to settle in and get used to us.

[Rosemary]

Well done - you won't regret it.

[MiriMaran]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!