To chook or not to chook!?

[Ger-annie-um]

Okay - so we've got the hen house, we think we want to have chickens - for eggs only, couldn't possibily eat them (or at least I couldn't, o/h could). Now I need advice on whether it's a good idea or not. The area they would be kept in is as safe as it's possible to get. We have the commitment to make sure they are kept in the best conditions we can. BUT - we know nothing, and the thought of killing them with kindness or ignorence is really scary. We have a contact who rescues young vaccinated chicks from battery farms, no idea what the breed would be. We only go away from home on the odd weekend, could they cope? We have a young grandchild, stupid question probably but are chickens child friendly? Sorry if I sound really sad but we care enough to make sure we are, at least, not just thinking of keeping chooks as a short-term thing.

[MaureenHall]

It'd be a shame to see a chook house go to waste Go on, you know you really want to!! Ex-batts are usually a breed called Warrens or ISA Browns or Amber Links (I think, don't quote me on that!!) They've had a hard life before they're rescued and it's wonderful watching them change into confident girls and being "proper" chickens. They're really friendly and cuddly (usually) and they'll still lay eggs for you for another couple of years or even longer. You'll get all the help, support and advice you need here on the vine, so don't worry

[Amberlilly]

Aren't there lots of rules and regs to follow when you have live stock or is my o/h just winding me up 'cause he doesnt really want any?

[its hilly]

Amberlilley, unless you want more than 50 and are going to sell their eggs via a shop there are no rules and regs. You can keep hens in your back garden (although I think not cockerals) its just down to if you have enough time and space, and can afford to do it.
Ger-annie-um..go for it Get a basic book (there are some recommendations on various threads on here) and ask every question you can think of on here too, everyone does and you get loads of help. Most hens are child friendly..with the usual caveats, make sure your chooks are used to being handled by yourselves first, dont let children treat them like dolls but show them how to pick them up properly and to put them down before they get fed up and are tempted to struggle or peck, and dont leave young children on their own with ANY livestock, not just chooks. Even the most patient animal will retaliate if hurt accidently.
Pre battery babies will be healthier than ex-bats, but they wont start to lay for several months..so if you want instant eggs..nope. But they will be really used to you by the time they start, and theres nowt like seeing them grow up

[Snadger]

Maybe if you can't eat the chooks eggs you need to have a rethink about keeping ex bats as thats what they are bred for.....eggs! Or would you rather go to Sainsbury's and buy battery hens eggs?

There are breeds of pure bred chooks that don't lay a lot of eggs, maybe thats an option...........or cockerels are always needing homes.

[Nicos]

Yup...both of you- go for it...you'll never understand why you waited so long!

And - yup- we're all here to help you through any teething probs ( there are a few of us who are veterans of 'Panic' posts!!!..and we're still utterly addicted!

[snakeshack]

I think you already decided when you got the house
got my girls in october and can't understand why it took me so long.

[Bephlam]

Maybe if you can't eat the chooks eggs you need to have a rethink about keeping ex bats as thats what they are bred for.....eggs! Or would you rather go to Sainsbury's and buy battery hens eggs?

She can eat the eggs...just not the bird Snadger!

And...go for it...you'll learn. Everyone starts somewhere...you've got a wonderful resource in us!

[petal]

Getting ex batts is a wonderful idea but as a first time keeper i would really recommend finding a poultry supplier (eg thornes look in practical poultry or google it for your local one) and getting 3 hybrids point of lay, fully vaccinated etc. You will get lots of advice from such a place- you could get a bluebelle, rhode cross and a sussex cross for a mix of colours. Hybrids seem to tame really quickly and will be eating out of your hand in no time! Our first experience with chickens was getting some from such a place - they give you after sales advice, supply food etc. We have only just considered getting ex batts now we have the experience required to nurse them back to full health - i was a bit daunted by the prospect before!

[Hans Mum]

go for it you'll never regret it, can you arrange to meet someone eleses hens, ive had loads of people come see my girls & at least 3 now keep hens themselves they just wanted to see the reality am sure there is someone near to you already keeping them

[RichmondHens]

Getting ex batts is a wonderful idea but as a first time keeper i would really recommend finding a poultry supplier (eg thornes look in practical poultry or google it for your local one) and getting 3 hybrids point of lay, fully vaccinated etc. You will get lots of advice from such a place- you could get a bluebelle, rhode cross and a sussex cross for a mix of colours. Hybrids seem to tame really quickly and will be eating out of your hand in no time! Our first experience with chickens was getting some from such a place - they give you after sales advice, supply food etc. We have only just considered getting ex batts now we have the experience required to nurse them back to full health - i was a bit daunted by the prospect before!

I agree totally with Petal. For first time hen keepers do not be tempted to pick up rescue birds, get some adult hybrids from a reputable breeder who will offer after sales advice. And do not be tempted to buy more than you think you can manage - 3 is plenty for a total novice. Please also consider how you will manage them. It is not much fun for a hen to be in a pen 24/7. Try and let them out to free range (under your watchful eye if necessary) at least part of every day.

[Snadger]

[QUOTE=Bephlam;606133]She can eat the eggs...just not the bird Snadger!

And...go for it...you'll learn. Everyone starts somewhere...you've got a wonderful resource in us! /QUOTE]

I realise that now after re-reading the thread! Go for it Ger Annie um!

[Flummery]

We thought about rescuing ex batts, but after much reading, came to think like Richmond says. We felt we needed to experience 'normal' chicken health and behaviour before taking on 'special needs' hens. But I gather that yours will be pre-batt. If they are very young you'll need chick crumb to feed them and keep them very warm, then move them on to growers then layers pellets. I got mine as point-of-lay too. We only had 2 weeks to wait for eggs! They were eating out of our hands from the off. The grandchildren love them. We are complete converts, as you will be too!

[Glutton4...]

...For first time hen keepers do not be tempted to pick up rescue birds ... 3 is plenty for a total novice...

Ooops!

I started fifteen months ago with 8 ex-Batts. Never even held a live Chook before that, and I was scared of them!


I now have 41, and the most handsome Cockerel arrives next week!

Go for it - you won't regret it!

[RichmondHens]

Ooops!

I started fifteen months ago with 8 ex-Batts. Never even held a live Chook before that, and I was scared of them!


I now have 41, and the most handsome Cockerel arrives next week!

Go for it - you won't regret it!

It was just a guideline ...............