From smallholders to city dwellers, people are bringing a slice of the county life to their homes, with chickens.
Chickens are not only fun to keep but also provide fresh eggs. It's a common misconception that a cockerel is required for a hen to produce eggs. Of course if breeding is on the cards then a cock will of course be necessary!
A basic requirement is a chicken house, providing the birds with somewhere to roost at night, shelter from bad weather, and lay their eggs. Free range chickens will need shutting up for the night to prevent foxes getting to them. A hen house can be easily and cheaply made from wood, as well as a range of prefabricated houses if your carpentry skills are lacking!
Advertisement - Vantage Land
Pear Tree Farm, Warwickshire
Pasture land for sale with permission to build a large agricultural building in Warwickshire. Superbly located near Rugby, Dunchurch, Daventry and the M1 motorway.
Barby, Northamptonshire
A mix of arable and pasture land, the land is flat with well defined boundaries. Situated between Barby and Hillmorton, on the border of Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.
Call Vantage Land on 01727 817575 for further details or to discuss your specific needs.
Most chicken varieties come in two or three sizes: regular, smallish and tidily. It is best to buy young hens that are "point of lay", known as pullets. Broody hens will sit on their eggs and try and hatch them.
Feed and water needs to be available. Grain and cornflakes with specialist grit constitutes their diet.
Collect your eggs on frequent trips to the chicken house. Write the date on each in pencil and eat in rotation. Enjoy your home produced eggs!