Solitary chicken - need advice

[Slim]

As above, I have been let down by BHWT for hens thinking of doing the whole incubater thing, I would love show the kids how it all happens I also work with my local school they always ask me to bring chickens in so it would be fun for them, I have a waiting list for eggs!!

 

1. I can't have boys so have to find a farmer/someone willing to take them!

2. Would love some bantams but not sure if they can live together.

[Patricia W]

Hi Slim

 

Finding homes for cockerels is not easy. There are a few people who will take them, but you have to think in terms of dinner too.

 

Hatching this time of year is not easy either - you have to have the right conditions to bring chicks up in the depth of winter- but there are others on here with more expertise in that than me so I'll leave it to them to expand.

 

As for bantams and LF, some have done it but there have been tragedies. I personally have decided to stick to bantams. In any event introducing new hens takes time.

 

Don't know if that helps, but others will have more to say no doubt

 

Tricia

[tom123]

Yes, BUT you have to take the intros very slowly.

 

If I was you I would go for a large, sturdy bantam like a RIR, Light Sussex, Orpington, Brahma etc. NOT Pekins, Silkies and so on as they will just be bullied endlessly!

 

Like Patricia said, hatching this time of year is difficult and you have to be prepared for the chicks to stay in until February at the earliest probably as they can't cope with the cold.

 

Good Luck

Tom

[Griffin]

I'll be honest, if you can't deal with the cockerels yourself or know of someone who will help you out you shouldn't hatch at all. You need to have a plan in place before you start out.

 

I hatched loads of chicks this year and have despatched several boys for the table. I have some eggs in the incubator at the moment but those chicks will stay in a run in my garage under a heat lamp until at least February. You'll need quite a bit of space to hatch at this time of year.

[Slim]

I'll be honest, if you can't deal with the cockerels yourself or know of someone who will help you out you shouldn't hatch at all. You need to have a plan in place before you start out.

 

I hatched loads of chicks this year and have despatched several boys for the table. I have some eggs in the incubator at the moment but those chicks will stay in a run in my garage under a heat lamp until at least February. You'll need quite a bit of space to hatch at this time of year.

 

Yes I am not jumping into this I will have a plan in place and space is not a problem. I will stick to large breads.