marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi, I'm new!! I'm teetering on the brink of chicken keeping. I've been gathering loads of really useful info from you all whilst browsing the forum and am very close to taking the plunge! Unfortunately I won't be having an eglu because I would really need a cube and can't quite stretch to that! However you seem like a very welcoming, inclusive bunch - hope you won't hold it against me!!! I was wondering if anyone has any info on poultry breeders/suppliers in the cambridge area? What are they like? Friendly? Tolerent of complete beginners? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi ya, Welcome to the forum! I have heard that Cambridge Poultry are good, we've spoken to them on the phone and they have been very helpful. Next time we need more hens we shall be going there. We live close to Cambridge too and we run the hen keeping courses for this area. It doesn't take long to build your knowledge up. Could you not just get an eglu for now and upgrade later, that's what most folks choose to do. We have an eglu it's brill so easy to use and keeps clean. Good luck with whatever you decide, but chicken keeping is great we haven't looked back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi and welcome to the forum! Have you seen the cube in the For Sale section - it seems like quite a good deal. I don't live quite in your area but there are a few forum members that do and I am sure one will be along soon. In the meantime check out Loopyloo's question in this section on blue egg layers as that gives details of one or two suppliers in your area I think http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=37367&view=unread#unread As a new chicken keeper myself I have found people 'in the know' generally very encouraging and keen to offer advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Welcome to the forum. Go on...take the plunge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks cluckbok and Redwing I've got that sort of excited/scared feeling. I'm looking forward to it but a bit nervous as well. The kids think I'm mad but OH is being very supportive!! I'm going to start with 4 or 5 chickens so the cube would be better, maybe in the future!!!! I did see Loopylou's post, I'll probably take the plunge and phone them. At least if I make a complete twit of myself on the phone they won't know what I look like!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks for the welcome Egluntine! I suppose I already have taken the plunge really. This is the first time I have ever joined a forum and dared to post a topic!!! I suppose that must mean I'm serious? It also speaks volumes about the welcoming, non-judgemental and friendly atmosphere here!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Welcome to the world of chicken keeping. The forum is a lovely place and full of virtual friends. No question too daft and someone always knows the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks Mrs Webmuppet (love the name!). I like the "no question too daft" - thats very important for me!!!!!! And the forum does seem a very friendly place. I've been lurking in the shadows for 4 or 5 months now and have avidly followed the ups and downs of peoples chicken keeping exploits, just can't wait to get my own!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hello and welcome marshwiggle Go for it, chickens are great pets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Welcome Marshwiggle. Go on - you know you want to..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy chickens! Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 As a recent newbie - don't listen to them, just one post and you're drawn in, then you log in more, and more and.... it's addictive! But very enjoyable and informative, calorie free and doesn't cost a penny - unlike chicken keeping Welcome to a new world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thankyou all for the very warm welcome and messages of encouragment!! Just to let you know I've just ordered my coop and hopefully will be picking it up this weekend!! Next stop chickens - yippeeeeeee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 YEEEAH another chicken keeper in Cambs!!! What chickens are you getting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 *do it*, *do it*! Welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 welcome,where are you getting the chickens from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Not sure exactly where I'm getting the chickens from. Cambridge poultry are very close but looking at the web site they don't have much available at the moment - and I'm not sure how long I can keep myself waiting!!!! Would like a few different hybrids including an amber coz they sound friendly. I was thinking about wyandottes for a while but they seem quite scarce - the only place online i've found is Perfect Poultry,but they are very expensive - so I think hybrids are the sensible way to go - especially as I'm a novice. What do you think? What a friendly forum - never been made to feel so welcome - wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi ya! My neighbour just got her eglu today! yipee! and she said she's going to look at a breeder in Great Whelnetham, which is just off the sudbury road in Bury St. Edmunds. I'm trying to find out the name of them, if I find out will let you know. I wouldn't mind going, just for a look no harm in just looking eh! Good luck in whatever you choose, you've made the right decision in choosing to keep chooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thornes near Letchworth is probably only about 30-40 minutes from you. Could be worth ringing them to see if they have what you're after. They are brilliant, very knowledgeable and helpful and their hens are good too! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Welcome to the forum Marshwiggle - love the name. I don't have a Cube or an Eglu (although I am working on it). and I have been made so welcome on this forum. (I have a Forsham Ark). Go for it. There is so much practical advice to be had whether you have a Cube, Eglu or wooden coup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Well done , can't wait to see the piccies once you get them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 I'm picking up my coop on Saturday afternoon from Attleborough in Norfolk Thanks for the suggestions regarding breeders, will have a look. Interestingly, I am in Bury St Edmunds every Saturday morning (youngest daughter does gymnastics there) Cluckbok, so I would be very grateful if you could find out that breeders name for me, shame to be so close and not go and have a look Thankyou all!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 and another weak lurker joins the OCD club Welcome aboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshwiggle Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi Ygerna, I know, there I am lurking quietly in the shadows, taking it all in, thinking and wondering and then, all of a sudden, before I know it, I've gone and done it!!!! How did that happen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fowlbird Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Hi Ygerna, I know, there I am lurking quietly in the shadows, taking it all in, thinking and wondering and then, all of a sudden, before I know it, I've gone and done it!!!! How did that happen? just keep away from any Omlet 'must have' threads! chicken keeping doesn't quite become an obsession and we're none of us daft... the only firm rule is that you must be able to type your user name with your nose and elbow... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
