moomin Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Hi all!! I've been reading this forum for the last couple of months and finally decided to join having never been on a forum before! I have a Blue cube which my OH put together for me last week. There's no one living in it yet but I keep going out and looking at it and having a play! I'm hoping to get my Girls at the earliest the end of March, we are doing some work on our garden at the moment so want to wait until we are a bit more organised (also have a Hen Party to go to end of March!!). I probably shouldn't have put the cube up yet but couldn't wait and wanted to make sure all the bits are there. I called a breeder yesterday to enquire about some chooks and he said to mail him with what I wanted and he would get back to me with some dates. But I got the impression that it would be ages, he also said that 6 week old chickens would be OK as they will be fully feathered and not reliant on specialist care etc., but although I want to get them as soon as psooible after the end of March isn't this too young? He was very helpful bless him. I've requested a Barnevelder, 2 sussex - speckled & buff ones, and a Welsummer, from reading up for ages and looking at this site these are my favourite breeds He hasn't got back to me yet though. I just wanted some advice really, he said I'm not under any obligation if by the time they're ready I have got them from someone else. But I was so excited I can't remember half of what he said!! Is 6 weeks too young, he said he would keep them longer for me, would they be easier to tame if they are younger or should I look around a bit more and get some older ones sooner (if u know what I mean!). Thanks all (sorry this post is soooooo long ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 I called a breeder yesterday to enquire about some chooks and he said to mail him with what I wanted and he would get back to me with some dates. But I got the impression that it would be ages, he also said that 6 week old chickens would be OK as they will be fully feathered and not reliant on specialist care etc., but although I want to get them as soon as psooible after the end of March isn't this too young? He was very helpful bless him. I've requested a Barnevelder, 2 sussex - speckled & buff ones, and a Welsummer, from reading up for ages and looking at this site these are my favourite breeds He hasn't got back to me yet though. Six weeks is very young if you're a beginner - and some breeds would be hard to sex with any certainty at that age (not sure about those ones in particular), which would leave you with the problem of what to do with the cockerels. Also they are all pure breeds, which is why they are not available yet - most pure breeds don't lay during the winter. You might be better off finding someone who sells hybrid breeds, which are more likely to be available all year round. You could always get two hybrids now and two pure-breds later in the year when a) you've had a bit more practice at chicken-keeping and b) you can get pure-breds at POL and be reasonably sure they are actually girls! If your heart is set on pure breeds, I would counsel patience and find somewhere that will sell them to you at 16-20 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 I totally agree. Excellent advice from Eyren. 6 week old chicks will take a bit of looking after....tricky for a beginner. You would be much better getting some point of lay hybrids to start with, they tend to be less demanding than pure breeds and will lay very regularly for you. Welcome to the forum by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted March 8, 2008 Author Share Posted March 8, 2008 Six weeks is very young if you're a beginner - and some breeds would be hard to sex with any certainty at that age (not sure about those ones in particular), which would leave you with the problem of what to do with the cockerels. Thanks, I had read on here about the sexing of younger chicks but had forgotten!! I definitely don't want to end up with Cockerels, especially if I have become attached to them and have to get rid I'll probably leave it as is then and if I get too fed up with waiting will have a look round to see who has what else, I do like the hybrids as well so that sounds like a plan! (Thanks for the welcome Egluntine ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted March 8, 2008 Author Share Posted March 8, 2008 I've just re-read my own post and realise how uncaring it sounds! Of course I would be gutted for the poor Cockerels too, if I had to find them new homes Am new to this forum malarkie - will have to keep reminding myself of how the written word can often be misinterpreted!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 It doesn't sound uncaring....just pragmatic and sensible. Best way to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted March 8, 2008 Author Share Posted March 8, 2008 just don't want to offend!! Thanks Elguntine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 :lol: Worry not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 Hi Moomin. Now I've read more and more on this forum I do like the sound of pure breeds. However for me initially I got the Omlet POL hybrid hens and they are definately good starter hens. But I also bought one 14wk POL from a Meadow Sweet Agent (£9). They sell some nice hybrid hens. They have an agent in Malmsbury - I don't know about that agent personally but I'm sure you could make enquiries. http://www.meadowsweetpoultry.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted March 9, 2008 Author Share Posted March 9, 2008 Hi Hen Watch Thanks for the link that's really helpful. I've been to have a look at Cotswold Chickens, they didn't have many breeds available when I went there a couple of weeks ago, however they are getting another delivery at the end of March. Malmsbury is even closer to us, so I will definitely give them a call so thanks for that. The reason I was thinking of purebreeds is because I'm not bothered about the eggs (they would be a bonus though!), and I believe they live longer than Hybrids, there are so many lovely chickens to choose from it's very difficult to make up your mind. The chap I called the other day was quite negative about hybrids, which I suppose he would be as he deals only in purebred hens. Although everyone on here seems very pleased with theirs. TBH, I don't really mind, I'm sure I will love them the same whatever I end up with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted March 9, 2008 Share Posted March 9, 2008 Oh dear, this has got me worried now. I have 2 Araucanas on order, which should be ready for me in 3 weeks. They will only be 6-7 weeks old by then, but I am assured that I will get them once they are weaned off "heat" and can be outside in the eglu. Should I be worried? What special care do growers need (other than special food)? Tips welcome please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NClaire Posted March 9, 2008 Share Posted March 9, 2008 I can highly recommend Cotswold Chickens - Jude is fantastically helpful, and their hens are extremely healthy and friendly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted March 9, 2008 Author Share Posted March 9, 2008 I thought Jude was lovely too, and she has all the bits and bobs there that you need, plus the food they are eating etc. There were 2 alsations in the yard, they were being naughty actually it was quite embarrassing as it was busy MedusA I think Eyren was saying that as I'm new to chicken keeping, young chicks of 6 weeks wouldn't be such a good idea, you have experience so maybe it would be OK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...