angeluk69 Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 I am sorry if this questions have been asked a thousand times, I have been browsing the forums as I would really like to kepp chickens in my garden, when I move into my late mothers house, possibly within the next 4-6 months, obviously I want to do it properly and am absorbing as much info as poss but there are a few questions I would like answered if no-one minds. 1. How much space is recommended for a WIR or an Eglu? (I haven't decided which enclosure to go for yet but I know I would like to keep the chooks enclosed as I have a Bassett Hound, and I do have a space which was previously a veg patch which I could convert for the hens, approx 10ft x 20ft in addition to the already v. large garden) 2. How many hens should I get to start with? 3. What breed of hen should I get? (it all seems very confusing really, but I would like to get some that are good for a starter) 4. Whats best in your honest opinion, a WIR+Eglu, WIR only, or Eglu Only? 5. Is there any restrictions, regarding neighbours I need to be aware of? 6. Is a cockerel essential, or is it just if you want to breed? (sorry feel a bit dim asking but I want to get it right, plus I wouldn't want to upset neighbours with any unnecessary noise) I feel I may have waffled enough already, but I am sure I will have plenty more questions, I am also hoping that yu aren't all laughing at me with my silly questions. thanks x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadAboutChooks Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Hi There, Firstly welcome to the forum! and to to wonderful hobby of chicken keeping. I will do my best to answer your questions although I'm sure someone with a bit more experience will come along and also offer advice. Firstly most people here feel that it is best to start with a minimum of 3, so that if and when 1 dies you are not left with a lonesome chook. I have 3 although soon to have 6 (watch out chicken keeping is very addictive!) and it has worked out well. Regarding WIR/eglu its up to you, if you want to give them the maximum room and finances allow a WIR is lovely, however if you want to start small and then see how it goes an eglu with run (+converter if you have 3) will be fine, especially if you have lots of room to free range when you are around. The general feeling is that you need 1 square metre per bird. Eglu's keep there price and are easy to sell second hand if you decide to progress A good breed to start with are hybrids like Gingernut rangers or the Miss pepperpots, as they lay lots of eggs and are friendly. You do not need a cockerel to get eggs, they can be rather noisy and if you are worrying about neighbours. Dont worry about asking questions, everyone here is really friendly Dont forget to post any pictures when they arrive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 1. How much space is recommended for a WIR or an Eglu? (I haven't decided which enclosure to go for yet but I know I would like to keep the chooks enclosed as I have a Bassett Hound, and I do have a space which was previously a veg patch which I could convert for the hens, approx 10ft x 20ft in addition to the already v. large garden) sorry i have no experiance in this area, i just let mine free range all day. 2. How many hens should I get to start with? Atleast three, if one dies the others wont be lonely (not in a nasty way- just better for the hens) 3. What breed of hen should I get? (it all seems very confusing really, but I would like to get some that are good for a starter)Hybrid hens are reccomended for the newbies, good egg layers and extremley friendly. 4. Whats best in your honest opinion, a WIR+Eglu, WIR only, or Eglu Only? Walk in run for the day and WIR or supervised free ranging for the day. 5. Is there any restrictions, regarding neighbours I need to be aware of? Dont get a cockerall, your neighbours will go crazy. 6. Is a cockerel essential, or is it just if you want to breed? (sorry feel a bit dim asking but I want to get it right, plus I wouldn't want to upset neighbours with any unnecessary noise) Nope, hens will lay eggs that CANNOT be hatched without a cockerall, if you get a cockerall you get fertilized eggs which can hatch. Dont get a cockerall for first timers.. they are so noisy. I feel I may have waffled enough already, but I am sure I will have plenty more questions, I am also hoping that yu aren't all laughing at me with my silly questions. of course not, i thought the same when i first started chickens.. welcome to the fourm!:] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadelee2 Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 (edited) Hi, and welcome to the forum. I don't have an eglu, so not sure about allowing space, but for normal chicken coops with a run, I'd allow 2sq ft per bird or more if you can. It's best to start off small with 3 to 6 birds. But really it just depends on what space you have available. Good beginner breeds are Rhode Island Red, Sussex, Orpington and Plymouth Rock. I can highly recommend Plymouth Rocks they are the most friendly birds I have kept. They are docile, great for children, and don't mind being handled. You don't need a rooster, your girls will be perfectly happy without one - and you'll still get lovely eggs. Hope that helps to answer some of your questions. I'm sure you'll really enjoy your new pets. Edited April 20, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Hi Angeluk I think most of your questions have been answered, just wanted to say HI and welcome to the forum. Dont ever worry about asking 'silly' questions on here, we were all new once and needed our 'silly' questions answered. Besides, we like answerering questions, so bring 'em on Let us know how you get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
