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[jan_novice_chicken_keeper]

After a couple of years with no hens, (we had 3 for about 5 years), we are ready for some more. Still have the eglu and run, and now a bigger garden, so more space. Having moved to a different area, I need to find a new local supplier for feed etc, but can order online for now. So, what kind of hens to go for? Ex-batts/rare breed/pretty shells for the eggs... I don't quite know where to start. We would like three. And what might I have forgotten I need? Thanks!

[PixieDust]

Depends where in West Sussex you are. Can PM me if you don't want to post it.

[mullethunter]

What kind of Eglu / run do you have? Will the girls be confined to that run or will they free range?

[Olly]

Depends what you want them for. Eggs, garden ornaments, pets or all of these!

 

Ex-batts = emotionally rewarding and can live for a few years and lay well, but often have health problems and may have 'spent' their laying power

Hybrids = prolific layers but may wear out after 2-3 years

Pure breeds = pretty birds and eggs but they tend to lay less frequently and are more prone to going broody, however they are likely to live longer than the first two

 

These are generalisations of course, I had a hybrid (Speckledy) that lived to 7 and was still laying, lots of people on here have had ex-batts that have gone on for years.

 

Personally I choose hybrids for cheapness and reliability as I like my hens to pay their way (egg sales pay for their feed!). You can still get pretty colours of hen and different coloured eggs, too.

[Purplemaniacs]

When I added my second lot of chooks I went for hybrids that lay different coloured eggs, From the group I had brown eggs, white eggs and green eggs.

 

Later I hatched some bantams and love the dark brown Welsummer eggs.

 

I also love ex batts, I recently lost my last remaining one and plan to get another group soon.

 

Good luck choosing.

 

Chrissie

[sarabb4]

Whereabouts in West Sussex are you? I am in East Grinstead. There seem to be a fair few places locally where you can get Hybrids, but I haven't found many places with bantams. Middle Farm near Lewes was useful for me with a bit more variety. Do let us know who you go to eventually!

[jan_novice_chicken_keeper]

Thank you for all the replies. We are right on the Downs, and have an eglu classic with a run extension. The girls will mostly be in the run, with some time free ranging or in a bigger moveable pen - but we have lots and lots of foxes here, so I do not think it will be safe to have them out of the run unless we are able to supervise all the time. They will basically be pets, although we very much like the eggs! We had hybrids before, who were fine.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I wish I'd chosen my last lot of girls by egg colour - makes it so much easier to know who's laid what (and you can personally thank them too ).

[LHawley88]

Having only got our first chooks last February, i'm still learning, but at least you've had them before!

Don't forget to pick up something to cover their worming, maybe some anti-peck spray if you don't get them all at the same time, and some purple anti-septic spray just in case!

Other than that it's feed, bedding and treats really!

Hope you enjoy your second lot of hens and eggs!