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Hen Keeping Workshops Our hen keeping workshops are ideal for both beginners and those wishing to expand their knowledge of hen keeping. Please register your interest by emailing us or by calling 01795 531124, we will then confirm by email. You will see the hen house options and be able to ask any questions you may have about keeping some hens in your garden. We can also supply all the accessories you may need, including feed. We will be offering special hen-keeping starter packages, which will include hens, a hen house and all the accessories required to keep hens - hopefully we can find an option for your budget. Children are most welcome, they will see how friendly hens are, handle them and see how easily they become part of the family! There is a small charge of £5 per adult, children come free. |
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Some Frequently Asked Questions about keeping chickens
Are they difficult to keep? Contrary to what people think, hens are not difficult to keep. In most cases they become pets and are a real joy to all members of the family. Like all pets they require some time and of course good house-keeping. The bonus with hens is that you get lots of lovely eggs!! Huts, feeders and drinkers should be kept in a healthy clean condition. Huts are normally cleaned out once a week. Use wood shavings ( free from your nearest joinery business!) or straw. These can then be recycled onto the compost and then used to grow your vegetables! Depending on the weather, huts and runs can be moved on a regular basis. How do we decide on a suitable hen house? How many hens you keep will obviously depend on how much space you have at home. We have houses of all sizes, depending on your garden. We have even heard of an Eglu on a balcony! If you can, come to one of our open mornings. You can then look at all the options and get answers to any questions you may have. Otherwise give us a call 01795 531124. What are the first steps I should take with my new chickens? When you get your new hens home, shut them in their house/ark for at least 24 hours leaving the water and feed in the hut. If you have a smallish run, open the pop hole on day 2, but do not let them out of the run for at least a week. This enables them to get used to their new home and environment. Otherwise they will not know where their home is and it could take you a long time to round them up! What should I feed my hens? To achieve the best results feed them layers mash. Mash is better than pellets, as it provides greater interest and takes longer to eat. As a guide feed them roughly 4oz of mash per hen per day and split it half morning half afternoon. Vegetable scraps are also fine in moderation. Don’t forget the grit and oyster shell to complete their diet. How should I handle my hens? Hens will become very friendly and are happy to be picked up and stroked! Even children find they can handle them. They enjoy being talked to and will soon come to recognise your voice. We have customers whose hens even watch Neighbours! Have we vaccinated our hens? Yes - all our hens receive vaccination in their water from day 1 and are inoculated against all prevalent diseases at 16 weeks. What general precautions should I take to ensure my chickens remain healthy? Ensure there is somewhere for them to shelter when the weather is bad, as they dislike getting cold and wet (who does!) and this also puts them off laying good eggs. Shade is good if it’s very hot and they will also drink more. Keep an eye out for Lice and in summer Mites - commonly the red spider mite - which appear in the houses. There are various treatments available, just give us a call. My hens are pecking each other and/or I'm seeing red/sore patches on them and possibly some blood. What should I do? If a hen is pecking at her own feathers, she may inadvertently draw blood. Pecking can result from lice, mites, boredom or even too rich a diet. The red patch(es) may attract other hens. If possible separate the hen until she has healed. We have a spray that will help, if you need it. |