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Anyone else got hens?

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  • 05-09-2009 4:28am
    #1
    Orion
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,807 ✭✭✭✭


    I got 3 pullets six weeks ago. The kids love them and they're laying so I love them too :D

    So who else here is a chicken keeper?


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    #2
    smudge09
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18 ✭smudge09


    I have two light sussexes, 3 brown hens (sold as RIR, but not) and two cockerals (given by an aunt who says you cant have hens without a cockeral - they were destined for the pot!). You can hear them crowing half a mile away when there is no wind......

    Struggled to find suppliers (equipment, organic food) in the west. Anyone have any recommendations?

    Also had one hen die suddenly - anyone experienced this? Or recommend a good poultry health book?


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    #3
    LisaO
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭LisaO


    Have been keeping poultry for around 2 years now. Numbers very low at the moment - a cross-bred cockerel, one Indian Game & one Buff Orpington hens. Plus 3 Khaki Campbell ducks. Am planning to increase numbers with some Black Rocks, maybe a pair of Pekin bantams, a Khaki Campbell drake and would also like a pair of Call ducks.

    With regard to good books, there is a lot of information out there on the net but I also have a copy of Katie Thear's "Starting with Chickens", which I find very useful. Also like "Keeping a few hens in your garden" by Francine Raymond - a very simple little book but great for anyone at the "thinking about it" stage.


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    #4
    Orion
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,807 ✭✭✭✭Orion


    This book was recommended to me - I have it on order in Hodges & Figgis. I'll let you know what it's like when I get it.

    Willowbrook come recommended as suppliers of organic feed and equipment. They're based in Boyle in Roscommon but deliver countrywide.

    Your aunt was wrong. You only need a cock if you want to breed. And if you live in an estate having cocks is a bad idea. Hens will lay eggs without one. I've 2 Light Sussex and one hybrid.


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    #5
    super_metroid
    Registered Users Posts: 168 ✭✭super_metroid


    i got 2 hens for my garden 6 months ago and i love them


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    #6
    animalcrazy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 470 ✭✭animalcrazy


    We have hens and ducks, we are getting out of the hens though, prefer ducks and they lay bigger eggs which taste the same.


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    #7
    Interceptor
    Registered Users Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Have ISA browns and a black Leghorn all laying really well. Starting to build a much bigger run and planning to add afew extra birds. Also planning a duck run for some Call ducks.

    'cptr


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