Beginners advice

[Frana]

Hi All,

I am hoping to get more land on my allotment in the near future which will mean that I will be able to undertake a long thought about project and keep my own chickens.

I am sure you have been asked this before, but where can I find valuable and accurate info regarding chuck keeping so that I do things correctly. I am a complete beginner so the basics would be very much appreciated.

Also is there any good publication that can be recommended as I would like to do a bit of preparatory research.

Cheers all!

[MrsC]

Can't recommend a book as I've never read a chicken keeping one I spent ages on here speaking to people who had them before getting my own. I'd stick on here also, there is always someone on hand to give invaluable advice when something happens. Sorry I wasn't much help really. You won't regret getting them that's all I'll say!

Just make sure the run is fox proof and always build a bit bigger because you'll want more, it's very addictive!

[Glutton4...]

LOL.

Grab a cuppa/glass of your chosen, and read the 'Rule the Roost' thread. When you've finished, it'll be Spring, and you can get the Chooks!

Seriously, there are loads of Books on the subject; one by Katie Thear gets mentioned a lot. I was given the Haynes Chicken Manual (I'm not joking!) which is very basic and very useful, but, in all honesty, you'll learn just as much on here, from searching through on whatever aspect you're interested in, from worming, to feed, to bedding, housing, hatching, well, anything. After searching, if you still aren't clear, just ask!

My only advice for a beginner is; buy a shed, not a coop. The cost will be about the same, and the shed will outlast the coop by many years. It will also hold more Chickens than you originally plan to have. You WILL get more than you originally plan to have!

Good luck, and remember;

We NEEEED pictures!!

[elizajay]

I got chooks before I found this website. I agree with Glutton4, read Rule the Roost. I didn't buy chook books, I went to the library and ordered every chook book in Kent and read the lot - well worth doing that and then choosing to buy the book you found most useful, it costs so little.

[Mrs T]

Ohhh keeping chickens is just the best thing ever!!!

We've had them for three years now and I'm very much the novice - but what I lack in experience, I think I make up for in enthusiasm!!

I've had a few books but I can't even find on this morning to pass on a title??!! and I read and reread them but talking to people really helped... lots of older aunties remembered keeping chickens and parents of friends...

But THIS is the definitely the best place to come for information/advice/support/inspiration - I can't believe I waited so long before joining in!!!

And the really best way of learning is to just get on and do it... they are SUCH a joy..

Best of luck with it!!!

[Frana]

Just been told of a site called happychicks.

Apparently they can provide rescued battery chickens fora small price - seems a good cause, think I might try that one in the future.

[Suechooks]

Just been told of a site called happychicks.

Apparently they can provide rescued battery chickens fora small price - seems a good cause, think I might try that one in the future.

Ex battery hens are not always the best to start with as they can have health issues due to the awful life they've had in cages. They will lay well for a relatively short time as they are obviously not commercially viable or they'd still be in the cages.
They are really rewarding to keep and blossom amazingly into real chickens doing proper chickeny things!
I have a mix of "normal" pure breeds and laying hybrids plus a few ex-batts. I'll always keep a few just to give them a life.
Several people have had them but I think all would agree they do have "special needs".
There are quite a few rescue organisations for ex-batts - British hen welfare trust is probably the most well known.

[gillian62]

I have only started having chickens this year. All info has come from library books, and all the great info on here. We have just bought a book for 99p this week from The Works, but that is the first in 6 months.