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starting out help needed please :)

3 replies

bounce2000 · 17/08/2013 15:58

Hi we are just starting on our chicken journey and have 3 very excited children. We have been to look at hens at a local farm today but they want £30-£40 per hen is this normal?? also what size coop should we get we only want 2-3 to start is this one ok
www.chickencoopsandhouses.co.uk/cc4000wx.html

Also what other things do we need to start and is it better to get POL hens or younger ones to get used to us thanks in advance xxx

OP posts:
Pixel · 17/08/2013 18:36

Blimey, my little brown hybrids were £7.50 so that's quite a difference, the hens you are looking at must be extra special!
Mine were advertised as POL but were actually a few weeks off that so it was very exciting when we 'finally' got the first egg. They had no trouble getting to know us, they are very motivated by food and once they realise you are 'the food bringer' there is no stopping them. Some dandelion leaves will do the trick Smile.
You'll need dispensers for water and feed. If they are going outside in a run make sure you get a covered type for feed as the pellets get damp and go to waste otherwise.
Basic feed is layers pellets. Just so you are aware, I've seen little 5kg bags going for over £6 at the garden centre (obviously ripping off catering to first timers) but my local farm shop does a huge sack (20kg I think) for under £8 that lasts my 3 hens for months. Your girls will also need free access to oyster grit to help them digest their food if they are not free range but that isn't expensive.

SimLondon · 24/08/2013 22:31

POL is good - but £30-£40 - erm no, go for hybrids and expect to pay £6.50-£20 - £6.50/£7 for your regular brown hen and £20 for a hybrid that lays fancy coloured eggs.

Coop is fine but its not foxproof - which is worth bearing in mind.

SimLondon · 24/08/2013 22:32

Sorry - i wasn't very clear, i meant the run isn't foxproof not the henhouse.

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