Newbie to all things feathered

[Snadger]

Good decision Bernie. Seabrights are really bonny looking birds but not sure how many, what size or colour of egg they lay?

You'll have to let us know how you get on with them! Welcome to the club btw!

[RichmondHens]

Seabrights are quite small, and are not reputed to be particularly good layers. If you are not bothered about this, then go for them. They are extremely pretty little birds. Whatever hen house you choose, make sure you have plenty of run space. Bantams generally require more space than big birds, not less, as they are more active. If you go for a house that the vendor says sleeps 6 birds, you can guarantee the run will not be suitable for more than 3. Basically, give over as much garden for a run as you can possibly allow - chickens CAN live in small spaces, but it's not natural for them to do so and they don't like it.

[dexterdoglancashire]

According to the chap at the Rare Poultry place in Ludlow said that Sebrights are quite difficult to breed. I visited Pear Tree Poultry in Preston this morning and had a chat with the chap there, he recommended a hybrid. Not sure what breed we will be getting yet, need to have a read and then decide. Am now the happy owner of a house/run which should be delivered mid week .
Thanks for your advice everyone, I've found it really helpful. Will keep you posted!

[RedThorn]

whooo!!! congrats on the coop and the run!

[shirlthegirl43]

Ooh, congratulations Bernie!! I am so excited for you - hens are so fun. We kept chooks when I was a kid and Madmax is so hooked now we have our own (after not wanting them for ages) that he agreed to us saving 6 from the free-range farm who are having a clear-out on top of his 3 or 4 birthday hens that I pick up on Tuesday!! (we will have either 12 or 13 by Saturday evening)

My tip would be, keep an eye on them and don't read too much. You are a dog owner and have been for years so you will soon see if there are any troubles brewing.

*dancing round clapping happily (maybe I have had too much wine)

[Maddie106]

Well done Dexter!
It's amazing collecting warm eggs from your own hens.....if you have kids they will LOVE it.
If you can do it, put a "Lid" on your chicken run to prevent attacks by foxes or stray dogs.

As regardes breeds, I'm afraid I went for good-looking hybrids with reasonable egg laying stats. Just go for birds that look good!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Well done Dexter!
It's amazing collecting warm eggs from your own hens.....if you have kids they will LOVE it.
If you can do it, put a "Lid" on your chicken run to prevent attacks by foxes or stray dogs.

As regardes breeds, I'm afraid I went for good-looking hybrids with reasonable egg laying stats. Just go for birds that look good!

Thanks for your advice! I'm very lucky and lynda66 has said I can have a couple of her girls, so will be popping down to Manchester in a couple of weekends to do just that . OH has built my hen house and run, and the run does have a roof on it. I'm SO excited, or should that be eggcited?!