What questions should I be asking breeders?

[Noodle]

Ah I see, other projects going on now! I wanted to get mine asap so could make them really friendly, even if 2 of them won't be layig for a while yet! My OH was actually the instigator, very unusual for him! I building a run extension this weekend so when we go on holiday and someone's staying they don't have to worry about letting them out i the gardena nd loosing them!

[Pumpkin Becki]

We're planning a large enclosure with a concrete base which would foil the foxes. I'd have them on a deep litter and let them out into the garden whenever possible. I also plan to have raised beds (stacked railway sleepers) to help protect my most precious plants!

[Hilary B]

I would never buy living things from someone who won't let you look them over before buying, or who expects all buyers to turn up on the same day and collect. The scope for abuse is far too great. It is quite possible that he doesn't breed the things himself at all, just buys them in and sells them on.

[Pumpkin Becki]

I would never buy living things from someone who won't let you look them over before buying, or who expects all buyers to turn up on the same day and collect. The scope for abuse is far too great. It is quite possible that he doesn't breed the things himself at all, just buys them in and sells them on.

That's an interesting point...I haven't had a response from the other breeders I've left messages for so far. I'm hoping they are on holiday, so I will follow up my answerphone messages next week.

As I've never done this before, its hard to know, but I can tell from some of your responses that this way of buying isn't 'normal' practice. It's reassuring that my doubts have grounds. Thank you.

[Noodle]

Sounds very similar to waht we're planning to do with our garden! I've put some pamment tiles that we found in the garden when we moved in (pulled from the kitchen floor!!!!!!) around the edge of the chicken run and have put potted plants ontop, makes it look nice and hopefully the foxes will be totally baffled by it!

It does seem like an odd way of doing business. I contacted a couple of farms to see ifI could get any bantams to go with my girls and they were always happy for me to go and 'browse'! Hard though, if the other breeders aren't getting back in contact. Fingers crossed they will do soon.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Thanks Noodle, I'm looking forward to being able to exchange some chicken anecdotes with you soon!

I haven't found any nice tiles buried in the garden yet, but we did find half a car!!