debbie26pet Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 i just been to get mey sawdust etc from the near bk farm shop. he says my hens should have a male with them to get them producing eggs? are they really noisey would i get away with one dont mind bit of cock doodle during day but what tiem so they start. dotn want the ol dlady saying she cant sleep because of a cockeral Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Yes cockerals are very noisey and start really early. You don't need a cockeral to produce eggs though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 He is talking absolute rubbish. Steer clear of this individual as I bet he is trying to palm off an unwanted cockerel onto a novice henkeeper. Is this the same person who is trying to get you to take a year old hen for £20.00? If so, I'd seriously take your custom elsewhere. Hens most definitely do not need roosters to make them lay eggs, Debbie. They lay eggs in much the same way as women ovulate. If you want the eggs to be fertilised then, and only then do you need a rooster. Roosters are noisy, they will crow at intervals from dawn till dusk, and you will have your neighbours complaining in droves, especially if you live in a housing estate. Be very wary of the advice given to you by this person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 yeah this is the one who is trying to sell me the hen id liek this little hen but something is telling me not to as well, im getting the funny looks of my hubby he waiting for his egg i want a couple new hens but not sure yet got a couple in mind but wow hard work to get my hands on a hen, also been offeren a red rock over 12mths old hubby saying he not bothered were he gets his egg from lol it can be the ulgest hen walking, he said eve to the delivery man for tesco she buying eggs but got 4 hens out in the garden work it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky1 Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 He seems 'well dodgy' - steer clear. Look fo another chicken supplier pronto. Look on the omlet list or ask on forum if anyone knows of a good supplier near to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 If I were you Debbie, I'd wait for the hens you have to come into lay. I know it is frustrating, but once the better weather comes, they will soon start laying. Also, if I'm being honest, I'd get a bit more experience with the hens you have got before you start introducing new ones to the flock, as it isn't all plain plain sailing as a rule. I would be wary of this person, who from what you have written, does not have your best interests at heart. I hope I'm wrong, but it very much looks as if he is trying to offload unwanted stock onto an enthusiastic but inexperienced henkeeper. Please be very careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Also, some breeds do not lay as regularly as others Debbie. If it is a steady egg supply you want, rather than pets, you need hybrid hens, not a pure breed who will not lay as frequently and will take a longer break over winter. What hens do you have already? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I agree with what everyone says. If you want eggs get hybrid chickens. Stay well clear of this individual, sounds dodgy to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 we wanted 6 thats our limit, the 4 we have are 2 rhode reds aged 14-16 weeks and the other is 20 weeks, little silki think she a bantam she 14-16 weeks, buff suffolk 223-24 weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 we wanted 6 thats our limit, the 4 we have are 2 rhode reds aged 14-16 weeks and the other is 20 weeks, little silki think she a bantam she 14-16 weeks, buff suffolk 223-24 weeks OK, your rhodeys are too young to lay yet - you will have to be patient. Give them at least another month. Your silkie probably another 2 months, if you are lucky. They are not good layers. The buff suffolk (do you mean sussex?) should lay soon. Does she have a nice, bright red comb yet? As Christian says, if you want eggs, you really need a couple of hybrids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 we wanted 6 thats our limit, the 4 we have are 2 rhode reds aged 14-16 weeks and the other is 20 weeks, little silki think she a bantam she 14-16 weeks, buff suffolk 223-24 weeks OK, your rhodeys are too young to lay yet - you will have to be patient. Give them at least another month. Your silkie probably another 2 months, if you are lucky. They are not good layers. The buff suffolk (do you mean sussex?) should lay soon. Does she have a nice, bright red comb yet? As Christian says, if you want eggs, you really need a couple of hybrids. hi yeah i thought it was a sussex its hubby who says suffolk its always a bit of a talk when we try to agree on it ill try an post a pic of her http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg22/debbie26pet_bucket/?action=view¤t=Picture423.jpg this is her [/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Yep, definitely a buff sussex! Very pretty girl too! As a pure breed she will also be about 22 - 26 weeks before she lays. Her comb is still very small and pink, so doesn't look ready to lay yet either I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 what would u recomend i have been offered a black rock any good she is over 12 mths, what others u think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Black rocks are good, but at 12 months old will already be half way through her peak laying period. If she is free, then yes, but if you are expected to pay for her, I wouldn't. Expect to pay £10 - £12 for a hybrid hen at point of lay. Also, if you are adding to an existing flock, you are best to add them in pairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie26pet Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 ok ill keep watching out looking the lady wants 12.50 for her and is the only one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I agree with Snowy...add them in pairs, and get them from new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Your Sussex looks like my Balti!!!! Balti is 25 weeks old and no egg yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...