Keeping Chickens
E
mma and I have been keeping chickens now for many years...even before we come to our smallholding, in fact the chickens gave us the confidence to make the move into smallholding.
We have found that keeping chickens is an absolute delight and eating our own fresh eggs is just unbeatable, although keeping them isn't difficult it can be a little scary to begin with, that is why we are running our 1 day workshop...to help you discover the joys of looking after your own hens
At this point, it must be said that there is no substitute for a good understanding of what you are getting involved with, we would recommend that before you get your chickens you get yourself a good reference book...there are many on the market like Katie Thear's "Starting with Chickens"...in fact this is a good principle to have when considering any new livestock venture as you will be taking on the responsibility of ownership and all that is included, however, nothing boosts the confidence and motivates the spirit more that some good old fashioned experience, and that is exactly what we aim to provide on our workshop, you'll be with like minded folk in a relaxed pleasant environment where we can discuss all of your chicken keeping questions.
But, just in case you are a little shy we make sure that the workshop will include the following topics:
- Handling
- Housing - buy in or build your own
- Feeding - good and bad practices
- Ex-battery hens - pros and cons
- Hatching - Incubator or broody hen
Emma, Finley and I are always interested in hearing from any likeminded folk If you would like to attend this workshop please contact us by e-mailing me at shane@durston.org.uk or by phone on 07810 562891