clare100 Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I have finally found somone relatively locally that has orpingtons and the cube and run is finally ready for the girls to arrive . However i am a little concerned as a newbie to chicken keeping that they only sell hens that are 6-8 weeks and with no experience of chicken reering is it a good idea to get chooks of this age. Any advice is grateful. I had found another breeder locally with pol but having visited him (and hearing what others on the forum have said) i would not be happy purchasing hens from him. Hope some of you more experienced chicken owners can offer this newbie some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 our first chickens were 7 weeks old. It is quite young for a breeder to be selling them at that age, but I suppose it is up to you really. Our girls were fine outside in the eglu and we started them off on chick crumb rather than pellets, they could then go onto grower pellets and eventually layer pellets. Now we are supposed to be out of winter (even though its freezing today!) they should be fine outside now spring/summer is on the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clare100 Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 Thanks chelsea... my major concerns were about egg laying and if there is any problems that they can get as it concerns me that as a newbie i may not pick up on things as quickly as you professionals... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I did worry a lot when I first got my chickens , it will wear off as you will soon see chickens are pretty easy going and tend to look after themselves really. I didnt really have time to prepare for my chickens as hubby surprised me with them one morning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clare100 Posted March 18, 2008 Author Share Posted March 18, 2008 You are a lucky girl... it took months of persuation with my hubby... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabergé Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 You don't say whereabouts in Surrey you are but have you thought of Southmead Poultry in Leatherhead? http://www.southmead.dsl.pipex.com/Breeds1.htm They seem to be well recommended by other forum members. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FORENSICA Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Faberge, I am going for my girls to Southmead Poultry on Saturday! Good to know that other people were happy with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clare100 Posted March 19, 2008 Author Share Posted March 19, 2008 Fabergé I did look at southmead and i rang the lady and she was lovely but sadly they only have hybrids and i was being a little fussy and wanted orpingtons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 The last two hens I had were young, and because they grew up with me as their surrogate mother they are much more friendly than the ones I obtained at point of lay. The only warning is that you mustn't mix little ones like this with big ones: they can't stand up for themselves. And Orpingtons are gorgeous. I am getting one soon, I hope, as soon as Wernlas arrange my delivery. I know I won't get so many eggs, but if you choose hens that don't lay so much you can have more hens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...