auntielizzie Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I visited Thornes Poultry today. Looking on the forum this place seems to have a good reputation, but Im not so sure about it - it seems a bit dirty and smelly to me. I do admit that I do not have much experience of poultry centres - this is the only one ive been to apart from where I got my two girls (which is a small poultry department in a well known garden centre - squeaky clean! very very healthy looking hens - which are apparently bred by a vet - and Ive had no trouble whatsoever with mine). There was a very poorly looking hen in one of the pens (maybe it had been isolated for some reason as it was by itself). She was sat hunched up in the pen, eyes half closed and tail tucked right down. She did look sorry for herself, although she was having the odd drink and peck at the pellets. Anyway, I mentioned this to the lady at the counter on my way out and she said she would speak to the man in charge (can't remember his name). I havent ever seen a poorly chicken either, but I imagine this is what one looks like. Does anyone know of any other poultry centres in the Herts/Beds area? Im thinking ahead to when I increase my flock next spring (hopefully, if OH can be persuaded). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Thats a shame, Thornes does have a good reputation but I think they are now leaning towards hybrids rather than pure breeds, maybe the faster turnover of these is taking its toll on the facilities which have always been very clean and well kept I dont klnow of any poultry centres in the area but Luton and District Poultry Club has many members who are breeders covering a wide variety of chooks between them so they are always worth a contact and always welcome new members to their meetings which are held on the first Thursday of the month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Try The Barns Poultry Centre! http://thebarnspoultrycentre.co.uk/ It's in Moggerhanger, just off the A603 (on the left as you head from Moggerhanger into Willington) it's fairly new and they're still expanding but it's nicely set out and the birds look beautiful!! I'm very happy as it's almost on my doorstep!! And any Thornes customers will recognise a very familiar face! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes55 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Can I just say, please please please do not buy from J.A.R.M.'S poultry in Little Missenden. I know they aren't in Herts/Beds but they are close to there. We bought a Bluebell from there last week which within a couple of days we realised was sick. Although we returned the hen immediately we now have our whole flock sick with Myco and today lost our most precious posh girl to this awful disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auntielizzie Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Thank you Redwing, Roobaloo and Mercedes. The Barns Poultry Centre sounds good, although web site doesn't seem to be working properly. Think I will take a meander over there soon. I will avoid JARMS - I have read your previous posts - you seem to be having a horrendous time of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmurfingDude Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Been to The Barns Poultry Centre today, think i'll be going back again soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
