Helo from Wales!

Hi all,

My name is Emma, and I am new to keeping chickens myself (still at the deisgn-a-coop stage). Family have kept chickens when I was small, now that I have my own place I would like to start it up again. Space is limited - so researching on BYC has been occupying my last few weeks!

It has been many years since having much to do with chickens, where would you guys advise me starting off? I would love hatching eggs but think I would like some more experience first.

Originally wanting to rescue hens from local batteries (a few knocking about aroung here) but after considering my neighbours a fair bit more than in the beginning I am now looking for quiet breeds who are not that into flying (I would love them to free range). My back garden is fairly chicken-proof anyway but the fence partition is set on a slope, so the top of the fence has a 'stepped' effect - want to be on the safe side.

Any recommendations/tips for newbies my way would be greatly appreciated, but will be posting many similar in the rest of the forums in the coming weeks/years!

Nos da!
Emma

 

I will, very surprised I have been able to get around my other half without even asking. He went from 'We're not having chickens' to 'I can build one of those for you' without me saying a word.

Skillful