I would appreciate it if anyone here knows of a local breeder for hens, advice (not ex-battery as I want the kids to be able to handle them) & one that we can go back to for fertile eggs in the future (as we plan to hatch eggs but not have a cockrell as we have near neighbours!)
Many thanks
Nicola
Please call or leave me a message 01458 834885 07917208984

Hi Nicola, Stockelm Poultry in Compton Dundon on way to Somerton are apparently quite good. They do all sorts of chickeny things from Point of Lay chickens, day old chicks, hatching eggs etc. and I believe they can even help with henhouses etc.

Telephone 01458 448734 or email info@stockelmcottagepoultry.co.uk for details.

As a kid I grew up with chickens and bantams, as my folks had free range ones.

They're great creatures really and each was a unique character. We even had this gristly old white bantam, that seemed to live for years; I can never remember her even laying, as she she always seemed old but she just went on for ever. And we had a chicken called Chicky that used to like coming indoors. The 3 bantam cockerels would fight sometimes, but apart from that they all got on well. Very funny creatures, and they were all able to live out their natural lifespans, and were never eaten (unless the fox got them, which alas did happen on occasions and will happen no matter how careful you are!); hopefully you'll have fun with yours! They are indeed great scrap recyclers!