[Patico]

:)Hi,  I am considering keeping a few chickens in my back garden and have read about various breeds etc. Can anyone advise me which may be the best for a first-timer like me?  I would rather like good egg layers and "friendly"  birds !!
Also, has anyone any idea where I may find a reputable seller in the N.E. Lincolnshire area? 
 Chuck - lover 

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi Patico, welcome to the henhouse!!!  (and the rest of the forums!!!  )

Good egg layers plus friendly are the brown hybrids like Goldlines and Babcocks.  But light Sussex are lovely birds too, and silkies are friendly.  Have a look on the poultry suppliers list to see who's neaarest you, but I did once call Poultrymad in Louth, and the lady was quite unhelpful even to the point of being rude, but I may just have caught her on a bad day!!!

http://www.poultry.allotment-garden.org/poultry-suppliers/hen-for-sale-Lincolnshire.php

Hope you find something nice!

[taximan]

warren hybreds are freiendly under your feet all the time. very nice lady at friskney,skeggy sells them pol £4.50 each

[North Devon Dumpling]

Black rocks are also supposed to be good.

We have ISA Warren hybrids and they are lovely birds, very friendly and lay lots of eggs but they don't lay for as long as some of the others (as they have a high egg production rate).

Let us know what you decide on.

[Patico]

Very many thanks for your advice !  I am in the process of buying a hen house and run so maybe will  have hens next week.
I'll report how I get on !!

[chuckmum]

I got my girls from chickenlady who lives in Lincolnshire, she is very helpful and has a few lovely healthy hens left. I would suggest emailing her via her blog page 'happychooks'.

[Kate and her Ducks]

What about DUCKS!!!

[alibean]

Have you considered some ex-batts?  They can be a sorry state at first but are very friendly and rewarding once they've settled in.
(Sorry - not sure where you would get them but the BHWT can put you in touch with your nearest co-ordinator)

[pink-chicken]

Definately Warrens but then I'm biased and have been overwhelmed by our four girlies. They are adorable, friendly, full of character, not bullies, soo clever, docile and not easily spooked. I believe they are the breed used in battery farms because of their docile nature and egg production. The classic reddish brown farmyard hen  Do check that your girls to be have been vacinated though before buying them.

Jan.x

[Sassy]

Definately Warrens but then I'm biased and have been overwhelmed by our four girlies. They are adorable, friendly, full of character, not bullies, soo clever, docile and not easily spooked. I believe they are the breed used in battery farms because of their docile nature and egg production. The classic reddish brown farmyard hen  Do check that your girls to be have been vacinated though before buying them.

Jan.x

Why do the girls need to have been vaccinated?

[Patico]

Hi again everyone
I appreciate your advice - thanks.

Can I also  ask if anyone out there has any useful advise for a novice to be, please tell me.
Am eager to learn !!