Hi from the U.K

[Bsmac]

Hello Teresa! Welcome to BYC! All of the advice to build bigger than you need is spot on! We refer to it as chicken math! Start with 3 end up with 20! Lol Enjoy you visits here!

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @Ravendale

Welcome!

 

[Jener8or]

Hi Teresa! I think you've already figured out my token key of advice: Join BYC! You don't need to reinvent the egg (or the wheel so to speak) and this place is full of experience to draw from so keep it on speed dial and hang around here--I can't tell you how much I have gleaned from knowledgeable BackYard Chicken members!

Welcome to the forum!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC, Teresa!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, Teresa, and welcome to BYC!

Good advice above! Make yourself at home! We're glad you're here!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! It's nice to meet you!

 

[Ravendale]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
3-4 is a good start. Make sure you have good spacing requirements and build everything bigger than you think you might need.

Thank you @SilverBirds. Space is not so much of an issue, time more so, so the plan is definitely a smaller flock so I can spoil and enjoy them

 

[Ravendale]

Hello Teresa @Ravendale welcome to BYC

Notice there's even a Lincolnshire Buff society, assuming that's where you are. Enjoy it, whatever you do!

what gave it away?
I didn’t know there was a ‘fancy’ for chickens. I’ve bred/showed/judged Syrian hamsters for many years and I think hubby would faint if he even thought I might get into another .
I’m totally clueless but from my reading so far I was thinking rainbow layer hybrids would be a good start for me? I heard they’re quite robust, they can look different (good as I know the g’kids will want to name and claim one each). I also know that getting specific breed birds with current health restrictions in place within Uk may be harder. Thanks so much for your input, really eye opening

 

[Ravendale]

Hello Teresa! Welcome to BYC! All of the advice to build bigger than you need is spot on! We refer to it as chicken math! Start with 3 end up with 20! Lol Enjoy you visits here!

I am definitely likely to become a mathematician I do intend to keep myself in check as much as possible though

 

[Perris]

I was thinking rainbow layer hybrids would be a good start for me? I heard they’re quite robust, they can look different

That sounds like classic marketing pimping for birds otherwise known as backyard mutts! I think they saw you coming As you may have guessed, the term is completely new to me, and it def isn't a 'breed'.

I also know that getting specific breed birds with current health restrictions in place within Uk may be harder.

Yes, especially since there are a lot of commercial outfits in Lincs region and you get more protection zone declarations than we do. See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england btw to stay informed on that.

I would get the best recognized breed birds you can find locally. People who will (knowingly or unknowingly) sell you a mixed breed as a recognized breed are also liable to sell you a diseased bird as a healthy one.