- Jun 25, 2013
- 2
- 0
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Hello and Thank You.
We've already learned so much from reading this web site. Thanks to all those who have contributed this vast body of information and advice.
Had our first hens back in 1991. Had laying hens on and off until about 2002. Then a decade long gap. Two weeks ago we got some ex-barn hybrid layers through the charity BHWT (British Hen Welfare Trust). These have settled in well and currently have a loaned Jersey Giant rooster running with them - hoping to introduce some robust, big bird, slower growing, good mothering and foraging traits into the bloodline.
I've spent hours over the weekend reading reviews of incubators - eventually narrowing it down to Rcom vs Brinsea. Long story short I ordered an Octagon 20 Eco (full auto) this afternoon and it should be delivered tomorrow. Yesterday's eggs were 7 out of 10 fertile when checked today - lots of scrambled eggs and my wife baked a cake!
So this is an exciting new phase as we've never tried to hatch out our own stock before.
We are a few miles outside of Chichester on the south coast of England, on about 4 acres. Enthusiastic vegetable gardeners. Hoping to develop a Joel Salatin style pasture system both for eggs and meat birds for our own consumption. Hoping to grow some seed crops and other foods to supplement bought in feed. We accidentally have some overwintered chard and beetroot in the greenhouse which have gone to seed - the hens go nuts for it. Planning to overwinter brassicas, chard, maybe some grains this winter to get a seed and leaf crop for the hens next spring. We were certified organic for a few years in the late 1990's and would like to raise our eggs and meat as sustainably as possible. Maybe not too late to sow some sunflowers?
Would be interested to find other like minded amateur poultry raisers in this area - don't know if there is a club or association locally?
Thanks again.
John.
We've already learned so much from reading this web site. Thanks to all those who have contributed this vast body of information and advice.
Had our first hens back in 1991. Had laying hens on and off until about 2002. Then a decade long gap. Two weeks ago we got some ex-barn hybrid layers through the charity BHWT (British Hen Welfare Trust). These have settled in well and currently have a loaned Jersey Giant rooster running with them - hoping to introduce some robust, big bird, slower growing, good mothering and foraging traits into the bloodline.
I've spent hours over the weekend reading reviews of incubators - eventually narrowing it down to Rcom vs Brinsea. Long story short I ordered an Octagon 20 Eco (full auto) this afternoon and it should be delivered tomorrow. Yesterday's eggs were 7 out of 10 fertile when checked today - lots of scrambled eggs and my wife baked a cake!
So this is an exciting new phase as we've never tried to hatch out our own stock before.
We are a few miles outside of Chichester on the south coast of England, on about 4 acres. Enthusiastic vegetable gardeners. Hoping to develop a Joel Salatin style pasture system both for eggs and meat birds for our own consumption. Hoping to grow some seed crops and other foods to supplement bought in feed. We accidentally have some overwintered chard and beetroot in the greenhouse which have gone to seed - the hens go nuts for it. Planning to overwinter brassicas, chard, maybe some grains this winter to get a seed and leaf crop for the hens next spring. We were certified organic for a few years in the late 1990's and would like to raise our eggs and meat as sustainably as possible. Maybe not too late to sow some sunflowers?
Would be interested to find other like minded amateur poultry raisers in this area - don't know if there is a club or association locally?
Thanks again.
John.
