need some advice

[clubroot]

hi all iv'e been thinking of geting some chickens for my allotment and need some advice just the basics to start with and how much would you pay for them thanks

[kirsty b]

You will need housing and a run.
Feeder and drinker.
Layers mash/pellets and corn.
Louse and red mite powder.
Poultry wormer
Straw or dust extracted wood shavings for nest boxes.
Book - Starting with Chickens by Katie Thear.
A vet that knows what to do with chickens in case of illness.

As for how much, it depends what you want. Hybrids will go for around 5-10 quid, pure breeds will cost more. Depends on your breeder/supplier.
If you ain't fussy, have a look into re-homing ex-battery birds. Mine only cost me 50p each, but did need TLC for a few months. How many are you thinking of getting?

There are loads of chook keepers on this forum and the help I've received has been brilliant. Standby for loads of advice!!

[Paul Wagland]

Hi Clubroot. We have four ex-battery hens at home and are delighted with them. You can get them from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust, and they charge about 50p per bird (though we gave them about £50 altogether, as they're a charity). The idea is that you give them a good home after their unpleasant start in life, but they are also excellent layers (farmers choose hybrids that lay very well).

On an allotment you'll need to build a thoroughly fox-proof run, and you really should check on them every day.

Other grapes will have more to say I'm sure!

[vicky]

The run would also need a top (chicken wire or such) and a sturdy locking gate as you're on a lottie. (Check you can keep chickens on yours)
I've got ex batts too which I'm very happy with.

[Eyren]

I have to confess I don't keep mine on the lottie, as it's too far away (even assuming it was allowed - I never asked) - no way I could get down there often enough.

Other tips: Make sure your run is sturdy weldmesh not chicken wire, which foxes can bite through Chicken wire is good for keeping chickens (and pigeons) off your veg, but not for keeping predators out. Also, if the chickens are going to be in the run most of the time, make sure it is big enough - approx 1 sqm/yard per bird minimum.

[zziiggss]

Hello folks, I am a newby here but would like to add to this thread,
When I moved into this house 25 years ago the garden was overgrown so I built a hen arc, that is a small lockable shed on wheels with a wire mesh run. I used to move the arc each day so that the hens could have a new place to scratch and they soon cleard the garden and fertilized it at the same time.
I was rewarded with eggs each day and the hens eventually died of old age.

Regards, George