dyfiview Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 I've just ordered my eglu which is due to arrive Monday. I'm keen to get my hens asap and would like eggs asap as well so what age should I buy. I've seen some for sale on the omlet site which are the breed I want and close by but they only hatched in March so would they be unproductive for a while? I realise I sound a complete novice but this is all new to me. Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginny Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 If you want your new hens to start laying relatively soon after buying them then it sounds like you are going to have to do some searching online. Omlet have pages where chickens are listed, (under breeds, chickens) so I would start there. If you want egg production go for hybrids such as Gingernut Ranger, Hybrid, Miss Pepperpot, Rhode Island Red or possibly Welsummer. There are lots listed so look for females or "pullets" around 21/22 weeks, they should start to lay pretty soon after you get them. Alternatively, search online for breeders of free-range hybrid hens, there are plenty out there. However, if you purchase the omlet chickens, you will have plenty of time to get to know each other and for them to settle in before they start to produce. Ginny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckingmad Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 ooh, how exciting! Love getting new hens... several breeders also advertise hens at point of lay (POL) as this will vary for different breeds/hybrids etc. When we got our girls it was several weeks before they laid at all, even if they're already layign when you get them moving house can unsettle things and it can take a bit of time for egg laying to continue... either way its very exciting going out to check the nest box every morning (and yes, you will most likely do a little dance of glee when the first egg is laid!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 If you're only worried about egg production then hybrids would be the way to go. I would highly recomend getting some ex battery hens, they have lovely personalities and some are still excellent layers, but its not guaranteed. None the less they'd still be thankful of a free range life. You might also want to have a look at some pure breeds, such as the sussex, who are very good layers, I get an egg a day from mine. If egg laying ability isnt too high up on you're list then there are plenty of wierd and wonderful breeds out there! The omlet breed list is a great source of information on all breeds so I suggest you have a good look on there. A good place to look for places to purchase breeds of all ages is in the back of the practical poultry magazine, which you can get in good newsagents. Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooresey Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 We are getting an eglu on Monday and we are looking for a few hens. One of the staff at Omlet told us that there is a recommended place called Barmy Bantams near Loughborough. Does anyone know where Barmy Bantams is as I have looked on the net and can not find it. Thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Madchickenlady got hers from there if you pm her could you let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Hybrids are best for eggs but don't live as long. If you want eggs, you want to get point of lay (POL) hens, or pullets, as they start laying very quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Found it in Pract poultry. Barmy Bantam Poultry 07979 343648 Pekin bantams Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
