Urban chicks

[Liza]

Hi,

Anyone have chickens in an urban garden ?

Do you have any problems with neighbour's ?

What breed do you have ?

What type of coup ?

Any advice appreciated

Liza

[dogsbody]

I did, well will again, two lots all unfortunately (as ex batts) succumbed to either urban fox or old age.

Ex batts are great, friendly, and good at eggs.

My coup was off ebay with an integral run, but they are let out when I am home.

Now the last has gone will clean and disinfect ready for the next bunch (4 at a time usually).

As for neighbours, no cockerel and occasional free eggs does the trick.

[frias]

I am urban with neighbours very close. I told my neighbours before I got my girls that I was going to get them and one did say not cockerels I hope. As he has a restaurant I can't blame him for wanting to sleep late in the mornings. I have 5 ex-batts and one Welsummer and none of them are noisy at all. My OH built the coop on stilts so that there was a large area underneath always dry for dust bathing. It's important to make sure the rodent population is dealt with or if the neightbours see mice or rats the chickens will get the blame even if all your neighbours have bird tables attracting rodents. You need a fox proof run or electric fence as urban foxes can be a real problem. However small your garden you need to get at least 3 hens as they like company and sometimes the worst does happen. I love my girls and although have found I'm more restricted re holidays etc since getting them I don't regret it. Good luck.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I would definately GO for it! You'll never regret it! Have a look at my threads in this section, especially the Barking Mad one. I'm awaiting my new run to be delivered (and hopefully, erected this weekend). Don't think Mr DDL realises just how big the new run is - it will take over half the back garden - I don't care .
Do let everyone know how you get on.

[MrsC]

Liza go for it, you won't regret it, although it may become a little bit of an obsession! Just be warned! Please post the pics. I thought about it for a while and then just went for it and have never regretted it once!

[MaureenHall]

It's exactly 2 years ago today that I went to collect my very first ex-batts I went for 4 and came back with 6. I housed them in a coop I'd bought from eBay and it's just about on its last legs now! Since then I've rescued more girls, hatched out eggs, had a bolshy cockerel "dispatched" (he was very tasty ), had lodgers, rescued more, had a fox attack, been up to 42 of various ages and breeds, sold some youngsters, and now down to 22. It's been (and still is) an absolute pleasure having the girls and boys in the garden even though they've got the biggest share of it. Would I do anything different? Yes, I wouldn't have got the little coop to start off with, I'd have a converted shed. I live in a town and the neighbours are really good about the girls, asking how they're doing and most say how nice it is to hear Jerry Just go for it, you won't regret it I promise.

Oh yes, just 1 more thing, I do have 2 daughters and a granddaughter who are more than happy to come in to get them up and lock them in at night if i want to go away (in exchange for as many eggs as they want!)

[Liza]

Thanks everyone I am going to go for it!

I have loads of other animals that have to be looked after when away so not a problem there.

Rats..... my Jack Russell dispatches them no problem.

Foxes.....I have a walled garden.

I would like to start with some Orpington`s but finding them hard to get hold of.

Do you need a bit of experience to look after ex batts ?

Just purchased two books on chook keeping and about to look on ebay for housing.
Will keep you posted

[frias]

I had no experience when I got my first ex-batts. They can be a bit more of a worry than other chooks but the pleasure you'll get watching them feather up and learn to be real chooks more than makes up for the worry.

If the chooks are loose keep an eye on the dog. He will find it hard to distinguish between a hen he's not allowed to have and a rat he is supposed to dispose of.

Also don't know how high the walls are of your garden but a fox can get over 6 ft with no problem.

Looking forward to seeing some photos soon!

[Liza]

Just ordered the coup and run cant wait to get cracking scuse the pun

[BUFFS]

we have had our birds since last may and no problems with the neighbours(no cockerel) and the older ones have said they love the birds clucking as it takes them back to years ago when more people kept them for the eggs,an 86yr old said it made her feel 10 again,it must bring back happy memories,i think thats another reason to keep chooks..

[Eco-Chic]

Liza,

I live in Tottenham (near to Spurs) and my neighbours are fascinated by my hens. I have 3 Orpington Blue Bantams. I started off with 4 but my Jack Russells caught and killed one.

Last week a fox attacked them. It looked very dreadful to me but the vet told me they'd be fine after he gave them an anti-biotic jab each.

Last night the fox returned and launched a serious attack on the coop. I think the dogs chased him off. I'm still reeling from the damaged done to the door of the coop. Tonight the chooks are barricaded in by a very large double glazed unit in front of the door and run door. I'm getting electric netting asap.

You won't regret having chooks. They're funny, sweet and cuddly (apart from "Don't Touch Me Madge").

[dexterdoglancashire]

Just ordered the coup and run cant wait to get cracking scuse the pun

Eggcellent! Looking forward to seeing your photos.

[woody2k4]

Hi Liza i keep urban chickens, also have some on a feild, think i've spelt that wrong. Keeping chickens in an urban area is great as they do become real pets and give you eggs! There is a sites on the web deicated to keep chickens in an urban area Just google "urban chickens" and up they pop

What breeds are you thinking of?

[BUFFS]

hi liza,we now have 7 birds and they dont make too much noise,it seems that if they have somewhere to scratch around,available pellets and good clean housing,they just spend the day pottering about quite happily, and watching them will bring a smile to your face,go on,get some good birds and go for it..

[Liza]

Hi Liza i keep urban chickens, also have some on a feild, think i've spelt that wrong. Keeping chickens in an urban area is great as they do become real pets and give you eggs! There is a sites on the web deicated to keep chickens in an urban area Just google "urban chickens" and up they pop

What breeds are you thinking of?

I was hoping to get some Orpingtons, but after trawling tinterweb I cant find any, so I am re-thinking.

Thanks everyone for your encouragement !