[ambriel]

Another vote for chickens here.

They're easy to keep and a lot of fun, plus you get really delicious eggs from them.

If you're planning on keeping them in your garden it's worth checking first that there aren't any daft local bylaws or planning reg's that will stop you. This is usually only a problem if you live in a built-up area.

We only have 6 hens at the moment but they provide more eggs than we as a family can consume so the surplus gets sold to friends or bartered for fish, venison, or whatever.

We also have three pigs.

[Daisys Mum]

Hi and welcome from the Scottish Borders 

[morri2]

Hi Sarah!  Sorry I'm a bit late - Welcome to the site from north Wales - sounds like some good opportunities have presented themselves.  Make the most of them.

[Mrs O]

Thanks again All.

I am in the process of composing all my many questions for you all 

Regards Sarah

[Sandy]

  Hello from Clackmannan, I have a B&B, dogs, some chickens a pair of ducks and now a new husband!!" Been so busy but welcome, chickens are fun, I have sat watching them many Friday nights with a glass of Glasgow pop!!

[Hilarysmum]

Welcome.  Chickens will provide hours of entertainment, especially if you like to eat outdoors.  Worth considering growing a couple of larger birds for meat.

[Anke]

Hi welcome. We started of with five hybrids in a run in the garden, I now have about 35 (at the latest count). We now have an incubtaor and (cross)breed or own birds (eat the males), but I would recommend to start with birds at point of lay (POL's). That way you can learn all about them from an age where they are much more robust, start to lay eggs for you soon. When you hatch out with at least 50% males usually immediately you have to make decisions about them etc etc.

We also rear meatbirds, that we buy in as day-olds, and we have had good success with them.

[Mrs O]

Welcome.  Chickens will provide hours of entertainment, especially if you like to eat outdoors.  Worth considering growing a couple of larger birds for meat.

especially if you like to eat outdoors (is that eat the chickens outdoors?  )  Thanks.  Yes I am thinking about some larger birds for meat as well.

[Mrs O]

Hi welcome. We started of with five hybrids in a run in the garden, I now have about 35 (at the latest count). We now have an incubtaor and (cross)breed or own birds (eat the males), but I would recommend to start with birds at point of lay (POL's). That way you can learn all about them from an age where they are much more robust, start to lay eggs for you soon. When you hatch out with at least 50% males usually immediately you have to make decisions about them etc etc.

We also rear meatbirds, that we buy in as day-olds, and we have had good success with them.

Thanks - this is all really good advice.

Sarah