What type to get

Hi People I have my Chicken feed I have a Hen house and double run on it's way, now to decide what chickens to get?

I'm in Rainy Manchester and am looking to allow the birds free access to the hen house / run morning and night as I feel the garden is protected enough against predictors.

I'm looking for two hardy hens  which are good long term reliable layers and tasty enough for the pot when they get too old.

Any ideas?

Cheers Bill

PS any ideas for home made chicken feeder and waterer?

I use an old frying pan for their food and an old saucepan for the water...I have got a 'proper' drinker and feeder, but they prefer to use the saucepans.  Dunno about what type of chooks to get. I've got 3 ex-batts, which are hard work, will never be any good for the table (I couldn't anyway!!  )  but they are so rewarding to have and I love em to bits   ANd never underestimate Mr Fox...if it gets cold enough, and he gets hungry enough, he'll chew through wire for a chicken dinner. I'd definately lock them away at night. If you go on the eglu site, they have a full listing of chickens, their temperments, hardiness and how big they get, might be of some use. Good luck

Im in manchester too, Welcome to the forum.

Can I ask how you feel your garden is well enough protected from foxes and suchlike? I have lost 5 ducks to a fox this winter, A 6ft fence is nothing to them.

Like TMT said, get 3 girls instead of two, They are not much good on their own.

If you have a look at www.happychicks.co.uk There is a pretty good list of the type of hybrids available. Hybrids lay almost daily but for a shorter period than a pure breed, but a pure breed will cost you more.

Im in manchester too, Welcome to the forum.

Can I ask how you feel your garden is well enough protected from foxes and suchlike? I have lost 5 ducks to a fox this winter, A 6ft fence is nothing to them.

Like TMT said, get 3 girls instead of two, They are not much good on their own.

If you have a look at www.happychicks.co.uk There is a pretty good list of the type of hybrids available. Hybrids lay almost daily but for a shorter period than a pure breed, but a pure breed will cost you more.

An 8ft fence all round but point taken need to sort some sort of auto door opener closer as I am at work when they need opening and closing.

Will take on board the 3 chick advice too.

Am going to buy a galvanised feeder and I have a couple of spare Tin dog bowls I can use.

The idea of getting 3 hybrids is also an interesting one.

Regards Bill

I agree with GrannieAnnie, hybrids were created to eat minimum amount of food for maximum egg production and so don't carry a lot of meat compared to pure breeds. If you wanted eggs and then meat, as mentioned, get a dual purpose breed.

You wont go wrong with some light sussex. Pretty birds and duel purpose.