[Diggit]

Whilst driving past the local farm today I thought I'd pop in and have a chat with the farmer about his chickens. I had my wife with me and she's is a little nervous about us getting chickens so I thought it would be good to go see some with her. After a quick chat with the farmer outside the farm shop he was happy for us to wander through the farm and down to where the chickens were.







My wife was shocked at how sociable the birds were. As we walked across the yard towards them they all gathered at the fence as if they were expecting a treat, either that or they were just curious. I could have stood and watched them rosey around for hours. lol

These hens are around six months old, the farmer wasn't sure of the breed but said they came from the same hens that sunrise use for their battery hens. They are good layers and lay the "usual" brown coloured eggs. It was good for my wife, because now she too is a little excited. I just need to finish off my last project in the garage before I can start on the chicken coop.
 

[hillfooter]

These hens are around six months old, the farmer wasn't sure of the breed but said they came from the same hens that sunrise use for their battery hens. They are good layers and lay the "usual" brown coloured eggs. It was good for my wife, because now she too is a little excited. I just need to finish off my last project in the garage before I can start on the chicken coop.
 

These hens are the usual hybrid layers you will find at any commercial producer and it's generallly not relevant to talk about "breed" for hybrids as they aren't standardised but are produced from rearer stock and have a known genetic makeup designed to produce lots of eggs.  They will be given some "strain" reference name by the breeder which will often be just unique to him.

HF

[Diggit]

How would they be as backyard hens? Maybe 3. The farmer did say that they are always for sale at £9 each. This is cheaper than the local(ish) breeder that I found (£14 for hybrid POL) but I'd happily pay the extra to know that they were properly vaccinated and were more suitable as backyard hens.

[hillfooter]

How would they be as backyard hens? Maybe 3. The farmer did say that they are always for sale at £9 each. This is cheaper than the local(ish) breeder that I found (£14 for hybrid POL) but I'd happily pay the extra to know that they were properly vaccinated and were more suitable as backyard hens.

They'd be Ok as backyard chx but personally I'd rather get some POL hybrids bred for the hobbyist rather than buy them from a Farmer as you'll never know how old they are.  Generally commercial egg producers buy them in rather than breeding them and they aren't produced for their looks.  Commercial layers are kept for one laying season only then when they go into moult and stop laying they are sold on for pet food.  The lucky ones might be rescued.  They are as good as worthless after their first season as their ongoing laying performance is very iffy.  They can go on perfectly well for 3 + years or they can develop laying problems like soft shells etc and stop laying altogether.  They generally don't have as robust a health as free rangers or pure breeds.

Pure breeds make good backyard hens but it all depends what you want.  If you just want eggs there's lots of breeders who just target the hobbyist market with attractive looking hybrid birds which also lay well.  Pure breeds are generally more attractive make good pets but aren't as prolific though can lay over a longer period of their lives. They generally cost more.  Good all rounders are Sussex but there are plenty of breeds to choose from.  Pure breeds are for those who want a hobby with a social element as pure breeds have breed clubs and showing events etc and a whole load of social possibilities.

If large eggs aren't a priority and space is a premium Bantams make good pets and can lay well though the eggs are half to three quarters the size of Large Fowl hens.

HF

[Diggit]

Thankyou once again for an informative reply. I had decided before on 3 POL hybrid hens from the local(ish) breeder. Seeing the hens yesterday made me think as they were only round the corner. I think with what you have said along with the offer of after care and support from the breeder I think I'll stick with my original plan.  :happy:

Thanks again.

[wolverine]

Hi diggit which breeder are you buying from I'm in Leicester and just curious my local breeder stopped selling hens so when the time come it will be handy to know who's selling pol's locally

[Diggit]

Hi diggit which breeder are you buying from I'm in Leicester and just curious my local breeder stopped selling hens so when the time come it will be handy to know who's selling pol's locally

Hi,

I read in a couple of places that these guys are well regarded. Heidi's Happy Hens, Gibbet Lane, LE17 6BT. Not too far at all and have a good website. I'll be popping down to sound to have a look. http://www.heidishappyhens.co.uk

HTH
Paul

[SusieB]

Hi - What makes bantams good pets?  I'm not overly bothered about eggs, but would like a bit of personality.

[jinty1911]

If large eggs aren't a priority and space is a premium Bantams make good pets and can lay well though the eggs are half to three quarters the size of Large Fowl hens.

Hi Hillfooter
Can you recommend a non-broody bantie to go with my 3 very broody banties? 
Jinty

[hillfooter]

If large eggs aren't a priority and space is a premium Bantams make good pets and can lay well though the eggs are half to three quarters the size of Large Fowl hens.

Hi Hillfooter
Can you recommend a non-broody bantie to go with my 3 very broody banties? 
Jinty

Bantams are renowned for being good mothers and certainly mine are often broody too so I can't tell you from my experience if there are non broody bantams. Sorry Jinty.
HF