There are many benefits to keeping chickens, namely eggs, but a lot of pleasure to be derived too. Here, Liz Sivewright of Llanfoist Poultry & Game Group gives us the lowdown.
There is an increase in people wanting to keep chickens in the back garden, and there are many reasons for this.
They provide fresh eggs, better than any supermarket bought, and you can taste the difference in quality and freshness, and collecting your own eggs is thoroughly enjoyable. You find yourself talking to the girls to see “”who’s laid today then?””
They provide a service to your garden by eating all the unwanted bugs and plant pests; they really enjoy a juicy slug (although they are partial to tasty expensive garden plants, so they need to be kept away from them.)
They are great stress busters, by watching them scratch around the garden; they provide you with a daily dose of amusement and calmness. The hens resemble a group of ladies who have coffee mornings, all with differing personalities; chatting and busying themselves; while the cockerels strut around exerting their authority over their domain and ensuring all is well (just like some men!).
They come in all shapes and sizes so there is bound to be a breed to suit everyone.
They need a safe coup/house to live in, a run sufficient for the amount of chickens you have, or let them roam free, and shelter from the elements. The bedding inside the hen house should be absorbent, not hay or straw as this can encourage mites and respiratory problems, and they should have a nest area in which to lay their eggs. No matter how you tidy this, the hens will come along and rearrange it to suit themselves.
They need fresh water daily and complete layers feed.
Protection from predators is important, as they can be vulnerable.
They are inexpensive to maintain when compared to most other pets, and can be extremely tame and make ideal pets for children.
So having said all of the above, why is there a local poultry group? Llanfoist poultry and game group was started in my kitchen over five years ago. A group of friends with chickens wanting to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
The group has grown considerably since then and we now have over a 100 members from all over Gwent, the valleys and Herefordshire.
We share information, advice and knowledge on an informal basis. We have an annual show, as many of our members go all over the country with their rare and prize winning birds, so we wanted to encourage the local members to participate. We have also set up a conservation group and we are trying to improve the numbers of a very old breed “The Lincolnshire Buff” which is a dual purpose bird, for eggs and meat. We have regular guest speakers, poultry sales, outings, and discounts at local feed stores.
We meet in the O.A.P.Hall in Llanfoist on a six weekly basis so if you would like to join the mayhem and madness please contact me Liz Sivewright, or look on our website www.llanfoistpoultryandgamegroup.co.uk
