highlandhoney Posted July 1, 2010 Share Posted July 1, 2010 Hi - I'd be grateful if someone could advise me on buying chickens and an eglu or cube. I'm a complete novice (except for books) so any advice/assistance in purchasing some second hand equipment would be helpful. How many should I start with? Can I keep just one chicken? Do they need a huge garden? How long do they live? I can swop beekeeping knowledge/advice for any assistance/advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 1, 2010 Share Posted July 1, 2010 Welcome to the forum. I've moved your post to the chickens section as you will probably get more readers here, and much of your query is about chickens anyway. Re second hand Eglus/cubes, the best thing to do is to post your specific requirements in the wanted' section, and to check our Eglu's on Ebay thread regularly. To answer your questions:- Chickens are flock creatures and are happier with companions. I'd say 3 is a good number to start with. They don't need a big garden, but do enjoy the opportunity to free range. They live on average 3-5 years for hybrids and up to 8 years for purebreeds We are always glad of help and advice from experienced beekeepers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted July 1, 2010 Share Posted July 1, 2010 I used to say that 2 hens were fine...but definitely get three as a minimum!! Most people say it's because if one dies, you still have another one...but for me, I would only have 3 in future because if one goes broody and spends all day in the nest box, the others have each other for company!! ..this is from current experience with my pair!! We don't have a big garden at all...and we don't have any grass!! We just gave them a good sized dirt patch to scratch in, a roll of turf (from Homebase or B&Q) and make sure they have some greens such as cabbage or some broccoli in the afternoon when they're free ranging!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 1, 2010 Share Posted July 1, 2010 Hello From personal experience I would go for even numbers because they can pair off. I started with 3 and it went bad. If you are not in the omlet delivery zone. Can I recommend going for bantams because they are very delightful and small chooks. They are easy to keep and are sometimes tamer than large fowl. Welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
