Right! - I blame Hugh and Jamie!!!!!!!

[louise stella]

I've toyed with the idea for a while now but am seriously considering keeping a couple of hens Possible Silkes' as they are small and cute! (yes I know, I know - but indulge me - i'm a girl!).

SO
How much space do they need?
What kind of home do they need?
etc etc...

I only have a small garden - but I would love to do this but not at the expense of their comfort and/or happiness!

Thanks guys for any pointers!

Louise

[louise stella]

[alan42]

i think one of the most important questions you should seriously ask yourself is do i have the time and commitment to look after chickens? i must be able to go to the allotment every single day come rain wind or shine believe me the novelty can soon wear of after you have trudged through snow and rain just to pop a few handfulls of corn in the run and you haven't had a single egg for months. so before spending money and building things sit and think about the serious commitment of visiting livestock every single day.
not trying to put anybody of but it needs thinking about.
i gave up on chickens because i couldn't give them time.
Alan

[louise stella]

I'm not allowed them on the lottie - they will be at home!

Louise]

[kt.]

I'm not allowed them on the lottie - they will be at home!

Louise]

Check with your local council first. Not all will allow hens at private residence. There is a minimum distance required between dwellings if you intend to keep them at home.

[GodfreyRob]

Silikes are very cute - but as egg layers they are not too reliable. Often they only lay from the New Year until late spring. They make great mothers though and are really good at hatching other hens eggs.
Most hens will become very tame if you pick them up and handle them from the start, so I would not worry too much about the breed as long as you can give them enough space. Black Rocks are hardy, friendly if handled often and good layers too.

[teresa]

Silkies are cute I have some they are more nosy than other hens I have, space enough to flap the wings more is better they dont fly so will wonder around after you. Housing dry, being more fluff than feather not water proof so good shelter is important. 3 hens can be classed as pets so you should be ok but have a word with neighboughs ( just to be friendly) mine love the fresh eggs. Ok they only lay about 200 I think a year but they do pack the egg and they are rich. Stopping them from being broody may help but they do make great mothers.

[louise stella]

Well I did it!

I now have two ladies installed in a Purple Eglu - perfect for my small garden!  The only trouble is they are such time wasters - I keep stopping to chat to them!!!  My son loves them to bits - they are his really - and he is adamant that he will do everything for them!!  .....let's see how long that lasts!

Louise

[aromatic]

 ;D ;D ;D Well  done louise stella.... think its great that Hugh and Jamie have highlighted the plight of so many poorly treated battery hens..... would love to be able to have some hens and help the cause (love animals anyway) but due to the rules and regulations where I live I am afraid I am not able to keep any hens.....  I hope you and your son have many happy hours with your hens... I am quite sure your silkies are going to be very happy and contented and thus hope it leads to you being rewarded with a decent amount of eggs!! I am quite sure that regardless of the egg laying your young son is really going to enjoy his new friends!!

[luckydog]

think its great that Hugh and Jamie have highlighted the plight of so many poorly treated battery hens.....

I've put my name on a waiting list at our local Welfare Trust that re-homes ex-battery hens.  The lady at the trust said not to be too shocked when we first see them, as they can be in a terrible state - feathers pecked off and not able to walk very far due to poor leg muscles.  Can't wait to introduce them to our other girls & give them loads of tlc!!!     ;D

[louise stella]

I'm not allowed them on the lottie - they will be at home!

Louise]

Check with your local council first. Not all will allow hens at private residence. There is a minimum distance required between dwellings if you intend to keep them at home.

.....no there's not!

[louise stella]

Well - we now have our first eggs and the ladies are settling in just fine.  Harry is happily cleaning them out (phew - relief) and they are very much his!

Louise

Why didn't I do this years ago??????

[aromatic]

 ;D ;D ;D ;D Congratulations on your first eggs louise stella and so glad your ladies are settling down nicely.. I bet they feel so happy!!
Also congratulations luckydog on your expected arrivals... you are both such wonderful people for giving these poorly treated hens a new way of life....Hugh and Jamie would be very proud of you both!!!!