Author Topic: New to poultry! (Read 5859 times)

Loqueris · « **on:** May 10, 2008, 09:01:57 am »

Hi,
I'm looking for advice on where to start with poultry. We're looking into getting some purely for the eggs and maybe to kill

for the table.
Are there any specific breeds that are particularly suitable for complete novices?

Are there any books / websites you can recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Rosemary · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2008, 09:54:33 am »

This is a good website for beginners! I'd try and get some Black Rocks or other hybrids - they're hardy and they lay well. Not really suitable for the table though.

We've just killed five Hubbards for the freezer and they were awesome! We were lucky to get week old chicks off another forum member but they aren't available in SCotland much - but I thik hatching eggs might be an option. I need to do something about meat birds anyway, so I'll post something in the diary when I do.

mojo · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2008, 09:12:50 pm »

one of the best starting breeds is utility light sussex........... for choice you get eggs and a reasonable sized eater and they are a easy breed to look after..........and have the advantage of being very usefull in making cross breeds as you gain experience........good luck

rorsa · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:01:59 am »

I started a couple of months ago with light sussex. I have found them very easy to look after and in the last 6 days we have had 24 eggs from 5 hens. We also now have 4 chicks which we have hatched and are hoping to eat.

mojo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2008, 04:29:37 pm »

the poultry keeper forum.........is a specialist poultry forum which is most helpfully even for chicken starters as well as old hands ........i use it a lot ..mojo

jacyjones · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2008, 07:29:32 pm »

I would agree that black rocks are really good to start with - hardy, good layers and easy to keep. They are also cheap to buy and so not devastating on your pocket if the fox manages to get them!!

carrumba0095 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2008, 10:27:41 pm »

Not meaning to be utterly dim but, exactly how much space do you need for Chickens? Could never seem to find a definitive answer for that question. I understand that, obviously, the more space the better but unfortunately my garden is not very big at all. Cheers for the help in advance!

mojo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 22, 2008, 09:35:15 pm »

space for chickens ..bantams 1 square foot in coop 1 square yard in run .......... large fowl 1.5 square feet in coop 2 square yards in run i reckon these are minimum areas for happy hens of course any extra room will be most welcome......................so adjust your stock in size and numbers ....3 is an ideal number to start with.....hybrid or pure breed ........but do pick ones you like the look of as they will be around with luck for about5 years.........good luck....but remember its addictive

The Chicken Lady · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2008, 09:41:05 am »

Yes addictive - I started with six warrens and now I have over sixty - but several different breeds. Warrens are good to start with - good layers and cheap. Other good starters would be light sussex, blackrocks, rhode island reds or welsummers. Good luck.