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You're just a few steps away from collecting a freshly laid egg from the nesting box with this 'how to' guide to henkeeping
Which breed?
Utility breeds, such as Light Sussex, Marans, Welsummers and Rhode Island Reds lay best, but also eat more and damage your garden. Ornamental varieties, including Orpingtons, Pekins, Silkies and Brahmas, are better pets but also lay less. Most hens come in standard and bantam (smaller) sizes. Keeping rare breeds, such as Marsh Daisy, helps ensure their survival. View different types in The Poultry Club of Great Britain gallery or visit shows to see them live.
Where should I buy them?
Make local breeders your first port of call when you decide to start henkeeping – they'll be on hand to give advice as your chickens grow up. Order birds in spring for delivery when they're at point of lay in late summer. Another option is to rescue hens that are at the end of their commercial lives – they'll still provide eggs for a few years. Buy them at auction, or adopt them through the Battery Hen Welfare Trust.
Where will they live?
Shop around to find a henhouse that you can customise to suit your garden, and place it in a sheltered, secure run close to the house; when you're not there you will need to keep them contained.
How much work is involved?
Hens can't see in the dark, and so put themselves to bed as light fades. But you have to shut them in every night to keep them safe from foxes. Before buying your birds to start henkeeping, ensure a friend will look after them when you're away.
What do they eat?
They need mixed corn, protein pellets, grit from a pot (which helps them break up their food) along with plenty of fresh water. They'll also eat grass, weeds and insects (including slugs and snails). Add sunflower or flax seeds to your hens' feed and their eggs will be rich in omega 3 oils and golden-yolked.
Where can I learn more?
The hen expert and author Francine Raymond runs hen keeping courses at her home The Kitchen Garden in Whitstable, Kent. Subscribe to the Henkeepers' Association for free information.
Words by Rachael Oakden
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Source: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/farming/how-to/a231/how-to-start-henkeeping/
