Right, chicken people, tell me why we SHOULD and SHOULDN'T get some.

[SquonkForgotHerEasterName]

Have talked about it on and off for years but haven't actually done anything about it.

How much do they cost to keep?
What about start up costs?
What do you do with them in the winter?
How do you fox-proof the garden?
How many do you need?

Assume I am a complete imbecile and tell me everything please.

DD and I are booked onto a chicken keepers workshop on Sat, I will return and blind you with the depth of my knowledge!

a chicken keepers workshop?

ooh, sounds like it may be more complicated than bunging a few chooks in a rabbit hutch

sorry, how rude of me

thank you for promising to return to impart your vast knowledge of chicken husbandry. I shall wait and see what the chicken workshop says.

Got a bit carried away about there actually being workshops for this

I didn't think you were rude

It is really an opportunity for DD and I to have some 'quality time' without me having to play with dolls.

It is a chicken breeder who offers free practical advice on how to clip wings etc so that you a) buy her chooks and b) look after them as well as you can.

Sack of layers pellets costs £6.75 (expensive at moment)

Start up can vary dependeing on housing, fencing etc but you can always try freecycling for a shed first.

No special treatment in winter although mine do get warm mash at end of day if very cold.

Fox proofing is hard. Electric fencing may work (we have yet to try). Just need good routine of locking them up before dusk and not letting them out too early. We are very rural but in 9 years have only lost 3 to foxes (out of about 50).

Two is a good number to start if you just want fresf eggs for the family. We have an egg glut at the moment and it is boring.