Elvis

iTrader: (1)

I am thinking of getting some.
Do you need permission to have them in your garden?
do they make alot of noise?
how much care do they need?

jpfour

i do, i wouldn't say they needed any more care for a few (3 or 4) than a single domestic rabbit provided your garden is properly fenced and large ish you would be fine letting them roam in the day.
they need cleaning out regularly obviously but this is made easy by getting either a propper coop or modding a garden shed bit of sand or wooden shavings on the floor helps no end.

they need a coop/shed with elevated perches (think like broom handles across around waste height) and elevated hay lined nesting boxes to lay the eggs in.

feeding depends on how many and how much space you have for them but i'd work on around a handful of corn/chicken mix each a day (they need some grit in their diet mind)
make sure they always have access to fresh water both in the day and at night

when you first get them you need to keep them shut in their home for the first four days minimum so they get to know it as home personally i clip the ends of the flight feathers on ONE WING only (means about the furthest they can then fly is up onto their perch or nesting box ie not out of your garden).

first time you let them out do it a couple of hours before dusk and make sure they go back in as it starts getting dark once they have got the hang of home they will go in every night by themselves all you have to do is remember to shut the door!!

FOXES ARE THE ENEMY hence making sure they are in every night and shutting them in
even in a town garden

there pretty much silent if you don't get a cockerel

if you do only get one cock or they will fight (seriously not good and very noisy)

if you get young ones don't expect eggs straight away and they will start small and get bigger

ex battery hens are not the best of ideas but not as bad at laying as as you might think

tbh once in and set up they pretty much look after themselves

hope that helps

-James-

edit don't think you need permission to have them (i never have and have never heard of needing it neighbours love the eggs to there sooo much nicer than shop ones)

Elvis

iTrader: (1)

I dont really want them for eggs, though its a bonus.

the kids think they are cute, few foxes about (urban) but my garden is uber secure, and my house is detached so no risk of neightbours fence being shit etc,

And the fence is secure as i have Chihuahua's

jpfour

sounds pretty good to me,
just make sure their put away at night, enjoy the 'free' eggs you will never go back.

the kids will love them i know i did

brad

My "in laws to be" have 16 in thier garden , all sorts of different breeds .
James just about sums it up.
I would add when you get more than a couple they talk to each other so can make a bit of noise , and if you get a rooster make sure you lock him somewhere that he cant see the light in the morning or he'l wake every fucker in your street at the first sign of daylight (usually about 4 am).

Rossco

Dont bother geting a cockeral, they make all the noise.

Rod-Tarry

I have 3 as pets they are called Sheady, Ginger & Doris.

Elvis

iTrader: (1)

Do they make good pets?
or do they just peck at feed all day?

and i was thinking about getting 2.

Lee Ivatt

iTrader: (1)

We got about 20, If your not after them for the eggs, then I wouldnt bother.

Why not go for quails, a lot less agro and the eggs are lovley hard boiled on a salad

Graham S1

What do you want them to do, fetch sticks and chase balls?

JLStretton

Elvis

iTrader: (1)

yeah, go for walks, chase cats etc.

ballin

iTrader: (1)

we have a duck, fuck me does it make a mess and its only one!

RSTurboSI

iTrader: (1)

my old boss had a farm and had 6 then they had babies andd now has 12 all in all, loved the free range eggs and they was nice too.

at weekends i used to help her with them, as i was working for my mate and his mum. just an case of getting the tray and empltying it, refill with dust and then walla. also feeding is easy

mcst

Not the most exciting of pets but a few Rhode Island Reds will look great and you get the bonus of the free eggs as said. If you dont want the eggs yourself, sell them.

Graham S1

The only thing that might/could get in the way is a covenant on the house, specifically saying that you can't keep them. When we sold Mums house we found out there was one on there. Presumably because there was a chicken farm opposite.

Or unless it's council property, then you may need to ask them.

-beefy-

iTrader: (6)

fuck the chickens!!!!!


did you go and collect today then ???

fuzzy

ive got 6 chicken pies in my freezer. does that count?