Chicken Info

[Snadger]

In the words of the '****' adverts 'Just do it'!!!!

[petal]

Hybrids seem to have the most personality! Our cat is very respectful of them. Dogs - depends on the dog - we have a labrador who views them as yet another great butt sniffing opportunity.

[Sue]

Hi
Yes, I too think you have to have a think about it and then just go for it, and I for one am very glad I did. Although not perhaps quite so enthusiastic when I have to get out of bed v early in the winter to go and see to them - mine are on the allotment. but needs must.

With regard to older hens, I though about that too and did think I'd let any old girls live out their lives. I've got one who's coming up to her fourth year. She still lays - every two days or so but she is a placid Light Sussex and is head hen and is a good leader of her fellow girls. As long as nothing comes between Enid and her food all is peaceful!

Sue

[Hilary B]

I have had hens carry on, laying occasionally, but mostly just thriving, for certainly 7 years, a few I think up to 10 years (it was all quite a while ago now so I lose track slightly, the 7 years is based on house moves...)
Most of mine were less pampered than seems to be the way of hen-keeping Grapes....

[MrsC]

Hi, I thought for a long time, followed the threads on here, read, researched and then talked to people who had chickens, met and handled chickens. I was slightly nervous at first but I can honestly say it is the best thing I have done, wouldn't be without them. I had lots of negative comments from people (not on here I mean) just work colleagues and friends etc. Funny enough they had never kept chickens themselves (armchair critics I think they call them) about the fact that they smell and are noisy, the list is endless. I have not found this to be the case, as with all grapes on here who are chicken mad, they are spoilt in varying degrees. Mine are! Go for it, when you are ready and you won't regret it. Lots of people to advise and help you here. Don't forget the all important pics also!

Forgot to add I have 8 hybrids and 3 polish bantam chicks. I know I will be trying to hatch some too.

[Glutton4...]

In the words of the '****' adverts 'Just do it'!!!!

Wot he said!

Added to that, exactly what Aunty Mo said above I started with ex-Batts, got 8 last November, they were soon added to at Christmas with the arrival of 8 ex-Free Rangers, but now I've gone up to 20 Trust me, more will be added!

I have lost a few, but it hasn't put me off at all. The ex-Batts are the friendliest most lovable of all of them - they just love people!

[lesleygl]

Thank you EVERYONE, I must say it does sound good and very interesting, nobody really reported any negative comments on this subject. I will keep you updated and let you know what I do in the new year - will also provide photos. thanks yopu again for taking the time to answer my questions

L

[RedThorn]

Oh so you'vre figured out the price for the advice have you the currency is pictures All the best just remember, relax and have fun!

[RichmondHens]

I have had hens carry on, laying occasionally, but mostly just thriving, for certainly 7 years, a few I think up to 10 years (it was all quite a while ago now so I lose track slightly, the 7 years is based on house moves...)
Most of mine were less pampered than seems to be the way of hen-keeping Grapes....

Yes, my current oldest is 7, still laying regularly and very much a bright spark. I had a "pet" Rhodie cross when I was a child who seemed to live forever. Can't remember how old she was when she died but a good old age.

Mine aren't pampered much either. Good quality pellets, fresh water, plenty of space to roam, and a dry clean house. That's all they need on a day to day basis.

[Eco-Chic]

Are pure breeds or hybrids likely to live the longest?

[MaureenHall]

Hybrids I think, but don't take my word for it It's a bit like mongrel dogs, they just keep on going (Except ex-batts who are bred for their egg-laying qualities rather than longevity)

[Suechooks]

Are pure breeds or hybrids likely to live the longest?

I thought it was the other way round Mo? Thought the pure breeds lay less frequently and live longer. I'm not sure now!!!!!

[MaureenHall]

Ooooops, now you've got me thinking too Sue errrrrrrrrrrrrr shall we wait for BP to put us right?

[Eco-Chic]

There's a little pure breed who is going to be made into a hat if she doesn't mend her spiteful little ways. I've been Maud pecked with malice aforethought and she drew blood

[bluemoon]

I think pure breeds live longest too. Most hybrids have been bred to lay and lay and then be replaced, and I don't think that much thought has been put into how long they'll live as, until recently, they were bred to produce as much as possible whilst eating a little as possible, then be slaughtered at 74 weeks. I would hope that now there are so many back-yard keepers hatcheries will start to think about producing hens who are likely to live a good quality of life, and will breed them accordingly. A friend of OH's, who breeds pure-breeds for sale and who buys in hybrids to sell on, prices his hybrids on how long they're likely to live; so Warrens, which are basically a battery hen, are less than half the price of Bluebelles, which have quite a good life expectancy. Not a nice way to think about it, but at least he's honest. I hope that with the Bluebelle and one or two others we are seeing the beginnings of a change in attitude, it's a relatively long-lived hen, which looks gorgeous, produces well and has obviously been bred with more than battery cages in mind.