Thinking of taking the plunge again..

[kirsty b]

Hi all

been away from here for quite a bit since my chooks got foxed around May/June and I never got any more.
Had a rubbish year or two with lots going on in life and have plucked up the courage to get back to my plot and start getting it back into shape...not having chooks to go to every day meant I had little motivation to go down there so its been a bit neglected...and vandalised Its so easy to say 'tomorrow'...

Have a list of jobs to do in order to have chook run ready for new ladies in a couple of months but can't decide whether to hatch my own/buy pullets/rexcue ex-batts or do a mixture of all three? Want a max of 12 hens.

The run itself is still standing, but does need holes filling in and part of the roof replacing, the shed is going to be dismantled, creosoted and put back together, but raised up on top of pallets this time to allow air to circulate underneath, then roof to be re-covered. Was a bit sad to find the bodies of 2 foxes in my run, must have got in somehow over the winter, but not been able to get back out again - felt a little bit sad about that as I generally like foxes, just not the ones that eat my chickens.

Have really missed having chooks, so am now quite excited to be planning to have some more soon.

[Glutton4...]

Good to see you back, Kirsty. I've had Chooks for over two years now, and I wouldn't be without them, so I know how you feel. Mine are a mixture of Ex-Batts, bought in, and self hatched. I bought the eggs on eBay, after doing a local search, and chose a chap in Haverhill, I can PM you their details if you're interested in getting some eggs. They may even sell you some Hens, if you ask.

Good luck with it!

[janeyo]

Hi Kirsty,
I have just picked up 2 more Pof Lay hens from Cambridge Poultry. We had some from there 3 years ago and really like their set up.

I don't think I have the patience for hatching...

[kirsty b]

Glutton, that would be fab thanks xx

[jessmorris]

Sorry to hear you have had tough times this year. It'll be nice to have some chooks to look forward too in the Spring! Like Glutton, I've a right old mixture of: hens I've been given (non with diseases or parasites as it happens - just a change in folks circumstances!), hens I've raised from Ebay or local eggs (the most fascinating thing I've done for ages) and hens I've bought. I don't have ex-batts because I don't have enough room for big hens, but I've heard they're great fun and very productive.
Good luck with your venture.
JM