peakdistrictfarming.co.uk
the plough inn main road flagg buxton derbyshire, SK179QR, United Kingdom, 07772828562, carol@peakdistrictfarming.co.uk
lifestyle poultry
http://www.peakdistrictfarming.co.uk
05:30 09-Sep-2010
I live in an urban area but have always dreamt of keeping hens. Both my husband and I work long hours and like holidays and weekends away…. Deidre - am I being totally impractical considering keeping a few hens? If you think it would be feasible what variety would you recommend and how much space do they need? Would you suggest investing in an Eglu – I know they are a bit expensive but they look they’d protect my chicks from the urban foxes!
Your biggest fan
It's great that you're my biggest fan - thanks for your email.
When it comes to livestock and advice things become complicated and you should seek professional advice where necessary. However, let's think this through - ask yourself one question 'why do I want to keep hens?'
I remember peter stringfellow (of nightclub fame) saying in an interview that the most luxurious thing he'd ever experienced was eating a few eggs sent from his place abroad. The hens were cheap but the housing, fencing, keep and additional staff costs were costly - he figured out each egg cost £6,000. That sums up hen-keeping - it's the additional costs that add up.
Keeping livestock of any kind is a huge responsibility, so here're some things to consider:
1. whether you've got 1 or 200 hens you'll still need the same level of commitment
2. you can expect hens to live for many years and they're not always productive - what would you do when they stopped laying?
3. the most interesting rare breeds produce fewer eggs during an probably only during the summer months - broody hens stop laying completely
4. you'll have to keep on top of cleaning, medicating & basic husbandry
5. have you got someone around every day to check on hens provide fresh water, feed and let them out/close them up at night?
6. you'll need to find a regular supplier of hen feed, potions, lotions and bedding
If you're still reading and are interested, on the plus side they're great entertainment and fun to keep. In fact, most people who start keeping poultry end up bitten by the bug - hard to imagine, but if you start to keep them you'll find out for yourself! I've not dealt with keeping hens for the pot in this section because I'm too soft to think about it. However, some people do want to eat their own stock and really enjoy the entire keeping and eating thing.
Eglus & other hen-houses
Eglus appear to be a great product, well marketed and a one stop shop for everything and this is reflected in the cost. They are the equivalent of an all-inclusive exclusive package holiday with optional excursions and a capable, dedicated rep.
There are alternatives, the equivalent of an independent holiday, so why not look for local poultry breeders on the web and often they will supply stock and provide an invaluable source of information locally. If you start keeping hens you're likely to get hooked and the local contact will become even more invaluable.
There are so many hen houses, runs and protection for hens. Research carefully and don't be afraid to ask a local chicken keeper or breeder for advice they'll know the best way to house chickens living in 'urban' fox environments too.
I bought a locally made hen coup which is deteriorating rapidly and last year invested in a great looking well designed hen house that arrived by courier and was half the price. But it took time and experience to find this option. I'm happy to let you know details about this hen-house directly.
Livestock auctioneers may hold poultry sales and secondhand hen houses may be offered under the hammer at much reduced prices but make sure they're well disinfected and treated before you use them. Don't be tempted to buy your hens from a livestock market unless you are an experienced keeper - remember caveat emptor!
There are solar powered hen houses that open and close according to daylight hours. Ideal for the lazy keeper, but it's important stock are checked daily.
Which hen?
When you're clear in your own mind that you are able to keep hens see a local breeder (or several) and they will be a valuable source of information. There is a type of chicken for everyone - taking a trip to a poultry show will show you the 100s of weird and wonderful types. You could check out our report on high peak poultry show at bakewell to give you a snapshot too. I chose buff orpingtons for their docile, friendly disposition which makes them child-friendly. However, they aren't good layers and need plenty of space. Suprisingly, you'll find the smallest hard feathered bantams owned by the largest men. Conversely, ladies often choose soft feathered large breeds and silkies.
Many first timers often chose hybrids which are crosses that lay plenty of eggs - together with rhode island reds they are a safe bet. You may want to consider rehoming 'rescued' spent hens - those who have reached the end of their economical life for egg production. There are a few organisations online that promote rehoming this type of hen that would otherwise be sent for meat and they may continue to lay.
Goodness this is a long reply, but hope it gives you plenty to think about to enable you to make the right choices.
It's great that you're my biggest fan - thanks for your email.
When it comes to livestock and advice things become complicated and you should seek professional advice where necessary. However, let's think this through - ask yourself one question 'why do I want to keep hens?'
I remember peter stringfellow (of nightclub fame) saying in an interview that the most luxurious thing he'd ever experienced was eating a few eggs sent from his place abroad. The hens were cheap but the housing, fencing, keep and additional staff costs were costly - he figured out each egg cost £6,000. That sums up hen-keeping - it's the additional costs that add up.
Keeping livestock of any kind is a huge responsibility, so here're some things to consider:
1. whether you've got 1 or 200 hens you'll still need the same level of commitment
2. you can expect hens to live for many years and they're not always productive - what would you do when they stopped laying?
3. the most interesting rare breeds produce fewer eggs during an probably only during the summer months - broody hens stop laying completely
4. you'll have to keep on top of cleaning, medicating & basic husbandry
5. have you got someone around every day to check on hens provide fresh water, feed and let them out/close them up at night?
6. you'll need to find a regular supplier of hen feed, potions, lotions and bedding
If you're still reading and are interested, on the plus side they're great entertainment and fun to keep. In fact, most people who start keeping poultry end up bitten by the bug - hard to imagine, but if you start to keep them you'll find out for yourself! I've not dealt with keeping hens for the pot in this section because I'm too soft to think about it. However, some people do want to eat their own stock and really enjoy the entire keeping and eating thing.
Eglus & other hen-houses
Eglus appear to be a great product, well marketed and a one stop shop for everything and this is reflected in the cost. They are the equivalent of an all-inclusive exclusive package holiday with optional excursions and a capable, dedicated rep.
There are alternatives, the equivalent of an independent holiday, so why not look for local poultry breeders on the web and often they will supply stock and provide an invaluable source of information locally. If you start keeping hens you're likely to get hooked and the local contact will become even more invaluable.
There are so many hen houses, runs and protection for hens. Research carefully and don't be afraid to ask a local chicken keeper or breeder for advice they'll know the best way to house chickens living in 'urban' fox environments too.
I bought a locally made hen coup which is deteriorating rapidly and last year invested in a great looking well designed hen house that arrived by courier and was half the price. But it took time and experience to find this option. I'm happy to let you know details about this hen-house directly.
Livestock auctioneers may hold poultry sales and secondhand hen houses may be offered under the hammer at much reduced prices but make sure they're well disinfected and treated before you use them. Don't be tempted to buy your hens from a livestock market unless you are an experienced keeper - remember caveat emptor!
There are solar powered hen houses that open and close according to daylight hours. Ideal for the lazy keeper, but it's important stock are checked daily.
Which hen?
When you're clear in your own mind that you are able to keep hens see a local breeder (or several) and they will be a valuable source of information. There is a type of chicken for everyone - taking a trip to a poultry show will show you the 100s of weird and wonderful types. You could check out our report on high peak poultry show at bakewell to give you a snapshot too. I chose buff orpingtons for their docile, friendly disposition which makes them child-friendly. However, they aren't good layers and need plenty of space. Suprisingly, you'll find the smallest hard feathered bantams owned by the largest men. Conversely, ladies often choose soft feathered large breeds and silkies.
Many first timers often chose hybrids which are crosses that lay plenty of eggs - together with rhode island reds they are a safe bet. You may want to consider rehoming 'rescued' spent hens - those who have reached the end of their economical life for egg production. There are a few organisations online that promote rehoming this type of hen that would otherwise be sent for meat and they may continue to lay.
Goodness this is a long reply, but hope it gives you plenty to think about to enable you to make the right choices.