All ready for the chickens!

[OverWyreGrower]

I went on a beginners poultry course on Saturday, in preparation for getting my long awaited chooks!

Everyone I have told about the course has laughed at me. "How hard can it be to have chickens?" they say.

I am so glad I've been on the course, I would have done a lot of things wrong and made life difficult for myself. I'd never even handled a bird before and genuinely wouldn't have known how to pick one up or check it! We were even shown how to "despatch" an ill chicken (which my OH will be doing if necessary).

My pullets and ark will be ready in about 3 weeks, and I'm really glad I know a little bit about chickens, I feel more confident about having them around, and can't wait for my eggs

[witch-1]

This is something I would love to do also... in preparation for our mini-retirement (when kids leave home they're 12 & 13 now!) I brought two beginner books on keeping pigs and chickens.

Where did you do the course?

Our nephew did a beginners pig course, and he now has chickens (I'm so envious lol).

This is something I want to do, and all since starting to grow my own veg too! (Although always fancied having my own eggs!)

Jan
x

[OverWyreGrower]

The course I went on was run by a local company who sell chickens and arks. They run it at our local agricultural college and on their farm.

The people who own the company don't teach the course, but instead get a local and well known chicken breeder/showman to teach instead and they don't foist their products onto you.

I see you're miles from me, but I wonder if your local college or a local chicken breeder do something similar?

[kirsty b]

Good luck with the chooks and I hope you enjoy spending time with yours as much as I do mine.
They are addictive and I have been thoroughly spoiled for eggs now. I'd rather go without over winter than get shop bought now!!
Kirsty

[ChrisB]

You'll have endless hours of enjoyment from them. They are great

[Sue]

OWG
Didn't have the benefit of a course, what a good idea, but have muddled through with the aid of a clutch of poultry books.
They are very addictive, lovely creatures, I'm sure you'll have a great deal of pleasure from them - as well as all the eggs and agree with Kirstyb, would rather go without in the winter than buy shop ones now, besides you get loads at this time of year so you can cook with them and freeze the results for winter eating.
The only trouble is restraining yourself from getting more, having to be very stern with myself.
Sue

[Paulottie]

Good luck OWG. I'm sure the course was very imformative and it sounds a good responsible idea. (if you'll excuse me asking) How much was it?

A Friend lent me 'Small Scale Poultry keeping' by Ray Feltwell ISBN 0571-16699-7 which has helped me.
I am enjoying my chooks. I've yet to face the challenges but Starting to get a good supply of eggs now. I luckily know a couple of old hands- if I get out of my depth...or there's always the grapevine!

[OverWyreGrower]

It was £45 for the day (9.30am to 4pm) with tea, biscuits and lunch included, also a pack of information sheets re handling, biology, illness, plus some leaflets from the Soil Association (re organic eggs) and other places like that.

Thanks for the book recommendations, I think I'm going to invest in a couple for my library!

[daisychook]

OWG I dont think you are daft at all, probably very sensible - I love my chooks, as everyone says they are addictive. In fact my OH got to play chickens (well feeding them a bit of corn and cleaning them out!!) when we got home while I got to empty the dishwasher and yes I was a bit miffed!!! They are such fun, but they are not the absolute easiest thing to have, you cant just let them get on with it, they need care, and if you are pre equipped with knowledge then thats a good thing!!! If anyone has a good book for first aid/health please let me know!!!

We have a Buff Orp who is a big bird who keeps flapping and strutting round the garden, she looks like a big Zepplin!!!!! Fab!!

[yoanbob]

ooh VERY EXITED for you, you'll love 'em. any q's were allways here.