I got news that the farm that were advertising POL pullets still have some at 17 weeks, "a selection of hybrids, bluebells, rhode rock, sussex star £16 each" and "some warren pullets just started laying £12"..
I was really hoping for non hybrid breeds, even rare breeds but am slightly put off by the price as it is more than I was expecting, is it because they are hybrids that they're dearer, or am I just out of touch with prices? ![Sad :(](https://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/Smileys/default/sad.gif)
To get 6 hens would be another £100 at that price on top of the house and other setup costs
in which case I'll keep my new henhouse empty and the poultry netting can go back in the garage til I can afford the expense ![Sad :(](https://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/Smileys/default/sad.gif)
If you are just after something to lay you a few eggs you can probably get some "spent hens" from a nearby commercial unit which should only be a £1 or £2 each. They will probably be in moult so you won't get many eggs till they are through that, and expect a percentage of losses, as the farmer will have had the best of them. You may find if they are a friendly set up you could buy half a doz from them for cash when they are re-stocking. I expect the price comes down quite a bit if they are buying 40,000
![Grin ;D](https://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
Cyril Bason is always reasonable on his prices for hybrids, or try looking on Preloved or something similar.
I keep my traditional English Cuckoo Marans, and I have to say the cost of electric and feed has risen dramatically this year. I suppose if I had an inccy and a brooder for 1000 it wouldnt cost all that much more than running lights and incubators for smaller numbers, and although I am not in it to make a profit, I do want to recoup some of my costs, otherwise I might just as well keep half a doz for myself and let one go broody and bring off a clutch each year.
![Grin ;D](https://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
There is a lot of care time and love put into the traditional breeds by those who are really interested in improving their chosen breed, though of course there are those in it to make a "quick buck" ,but when our local paper advertises farm kitten for sale at £35 and mongrel dogs at £250 and even more I don't think you should maybe be too begruding. As you say the housing cost and fencing cost more.
All the best
Sue