First time chicken owner

foodaholic

Hi, I just took the plunge and bought a chicken coop. I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidence. Where is the best place to buy point of lay hens (hybrids). and where is the best place to get chicken feed in Kildare. (is mash or pellets better) and any advice you think I need.

Thanks for any guidance

jap gt

foodaholic wrote: »

Hi, I just took the plunge and bought a chicken coop. I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidence. Where is the best place to buy point of lay hens (hybrids). and where is the best place to get chicken feed in Kildare. (is mash or pellets better) and any advice you think I need.

Thanks for any guidance

hi
i dont know much about kildare, but keep an eye out for poultry fairs in your area its a great place to buy them

With regards to chicken feed , i know a person that feeds them Veg and Porridge . I dont know if that is the correct way to feed them but she has had them for 3 years now and they are doing great.

Lots of eggs .

LisaO

Re: buying hens, I would be a little wary of poultry fairs unless you have a lot of knowledge & know exactly what you are looking at. It's not uncommon to be sold one breed named as another or to be sold young roosters as "point of lay". Would strongly recommend finding a local breeder on http://www.irishfowl.com/. Many of the advertisers on there work very hard to produce good birds & would be happy to discuss your requirements & recommend something suitable.

Regarding feed, layers mash/pellets are one & the same. You can wet down the pellets to make a damp mash if you want to. These can be got from your local creamery or agri co-op. Hens will also welcome lots of household scraps - bread, cereal, pasta, rice. Save up the veggie peelings & then boil them up for them too.:)

foodaholic

thanks LisaO
yeah I will deffo be using the scrapes as well
I will have a look at irish fowl.com