bigmommasally Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Hi everyone I was hoping to get some Ex Batt chickens but have been waiting for ages and have found out today that the next Essex BHWT rescue will not be until Nov/Dec So since I've had my empty cube sitting there waiting since mid August I'm now going to get 3 pol chickens instead. (and then if all goes well with them I could still get some Ex Batts when they're available - not actually run that past DH yet but will cross that bridge when I come to it ) I've found the following places in Essex with available Pol's Upsons Poultry Essex Chickens at Smilers Farm Happy Hens Barling Poultry Rosehill Hatchery Has anyone any experience of these places or know of somewhere reliable to get Pol's from in Essex. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Hi there. I've been to smilers and wasn't keen to tell you the truth... I know some people who use upsons and are very happy. there is also hensforhomes which are very good. I'm afraid I went over the water to hen house poultry in teston kent which is only a 40min drive for me, they are HIGHLY recommended. Where in essex are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted September 19, 2008 Author Share Posted September 19, 2008 Hi quickcluck Thanks so much for replying it's makes such a difference going somewhere recommended. I'm in South Woodham Ferrers, quite near you! I hadn't thought of going to Kent for chickens - I only think of it for Bluewater!!! What is the place called, does it have a website? Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Ben at www.henhousepoultry.co.uk my guru! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted September 19, 2008 Author Share Posted September 19, 2008 Thanks redfrock Guess I'm heading down your way tomorrow Can I just turn up at Hen House or do I need to ring first? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Haven't been there myself, but I've heard good reports of Happy Hens, you do need to ring them first though. Good luck in your search! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 give Ben I call first as he runs it from his home.... his website is very comprehensive.... I think he is closed one day over the weekend but can't remember which one sorry Let us all know how you get on though, and if you need any help with supplys and stuff!! I am very excited for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomperu Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Hi there, I'd just like to add my bit about Hen House Poultry. We got our first 3 chickens from there Tuesday before last. It's a great place with big, spacious open runs, and a good range of chickens. All the brids we saw looked really healthy, and Ben, who runs the place is a thoroughly wonderful man. He took time to give us advice and was very helpful. We bought a Mendlesham Ranger, a Mendlesham Amber and a Fenning Sussex. I thought the pricing was fair and the birds just lovely. I know it's not in Essex, but it's worth the drive. Do phone him first, as he may not be able to do weekends. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggy Posted September 20, 2008 Share Posted September 20, 2008 Hi there Try http://www.hens4homes.co.uk/. Based in Stebbing, which isn't too far from where you are. Vary helpful and plenty of choice of birds. She even runs a training course on Saturday morning. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Did you manage to find any???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted September 22, 2008 Author Share Posted September 22, 2008 Hi quick cluck Yes thanks. Ben at Hen House Poultry didn't have any his next lot are due in October. But I gor 3 Hybrids from Golden Valley in Surrey and a Orpington and a Silkie from a breeder in Ongar. So I've ended up with 5 with is more than I planned. Have to say its been a fantastic weekend, they are all lovely girls and I've sneaked aday off work today to chicken watch! Am trying to upload photos at the mo - hopefully will be able to do it without having to ask DD for help! Thanks for all your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Oh how fab. I'd forgotten about Golden valley they were on my list too!!! Hope you get the pics uploaded soon, can't wait to see! did you get all different ones from GV? I love orpingtons, am jealous.... I know what you mean about getting carried away though, I only wanted 2 and ended up with 6! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...