Chicken boarders

[Minty_76]

Hello

 

I am now the proud owner of a red classic and when I get set up I will need to start looking for hens. My question is, when is the best time of year to get chickens? Would it be better to get them in the Autumn or wait until the spring? I kind of want to get started now but I'm going away for a week in August so not a good idea just yet. Also I know its a long time away but what does everyone do with their hens on bonfire night? I like to think ahead! My bunnies come in a run in the kitchen usually so not sure if I would bring the hens in or leave them in their eglu? So many questions!

[lindafw]

Nov 5th I shut mine in their classic and cube covered with a duvet...to block out any flashes...and left them to it, no way I can bring a cube in As for when to get chooks....for me it would depend on the age of the birds on purchase...if you can get Point of lay or even laying then I don't think it matters but personally I wouldn't want very young birds in September or October but that's just personal choice

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I've twice got new girls at POL in September/October with no problems at all . If I were you, I wouldn't be able to wait till next year .

 

My girls don't even notice bonfire night .

[fluffy chick]

I agree go get them asap I got some pol birds at Nov and didn't eggs till spring but I couldn't wait

 

I've never worried about bonfire night tbh

[johnandkymberley]

I would get your hens when you are ready in your own life - after holiday etc and ASAP! and like others i wouldnt be able to wait! As for bonfire night it doesnt affect my girls, prob cuz they chat to each other louder than the fireworks! does anyone elses hens have a mothers meeting at night? I cant imagine what they spend so long talking and clucking about!

[UKMARCH]

Hi, when we got ours POL it was the beginning of Oct and they were all laying by the end of Oct they were hybrids though, they didn't seem to bother about the fireworks although we don't have many around here I just shut the door that night. We are getting some more soon the nice thing about having them in the nice weather is that you can spend longer watching them!

[clucker1]

Our chickens (and cube) arrived (from Omlet) the day after we got back from our hol last year at the end of August. It gave me something to look forward to. We are going to get another 2 this year when we get back too, makes it worth coming home! Last year was my first year of hen keeping and on November 5th I shut them in the cube nice and early and they were fine. I would go for it when it fits in with you when you get back from holiday. Our chickens are certainly the most hentertaining pets we have ever had and the most useful!!!

[Minty_76]

I knew you lot would have some good advice! Ok, well thats settled then..........going to get hens after my holiday. Narrowed down bantam breeds and going to make a trip to Pages Poultry as she has a lot of choice. Hopefully in a few months time there will be pics!

[clucker1]

I was warned off bantams as a newbie. I did loads of research, went to an Omlet hen party (very informative) and ended up getting 2 Miss pepperpots and . I couldn't be more pleased with them . My friend has 3 bantams and 2 of them seem to have spent the last 3 months being broody and laying no eggs. I am sure someone more experienced than me will be along to advise. wir

[loumabel]

I have only been henkeeping for six months and my 6 girls are all bantams. They are great fun and I love them but they have not been without problems. The Pekins go broody at the drop of a hat and stay that way for ages, I have one who has been broody since April and is still stubbornly remaining that way. They are not the best layers and have certainly had there fair share of problems, broken beak, scaley leg, broken claws and sniffles but having said all of that I would not trade them for the world, they are a sweet bunch. I am sure you will be pleased no matter what breed you choose, good luck

[fluffy chick]

I have had hybrids, and bantams and would defo recommend pekins to start with. They are friendlier than my hybrids ever where and easier to handle for a newbie. They can't fly either so easier to contain. I had some bluebelles having said that thay couldn't fly but had to rehome some ex bats as they kept flying over the electric netting (even with wings clipped).

 

No guarantees but my pekins are generally quieter than the hybrids too. They are happy without bags of space but love to follow me around the garden. They do go broody and only lay 3 ish eggs a week but they are my fav and I'll always make room for some in my flock.

 

Only slightly biased