I may be wrong .... but I think you might have to re-think your plans in order to comply with the current avian flu regulations. I don't think birds can be free range, and have to be kept in a fenced off area with a solid roof so that wild birds (or their droppings) can't access your hens. I'm no expert on this .... but just going by what my neighbours have had to put it place.
Bee x
Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
Sorry, I can't keep up with all the replies - thanks to everyone for their advice and tips!
Hi @Bee witched - thanks for the heads up, I think you're absolutely right, I remember seeing it on the news a couple of months back I think... not to worry, I am only in early planning stages, sadly no chickens will be coming to live with us anytime real soon!!
Well! Speaking of hens. Pottering around the garden this afternoon - Miss Wally, whom I believed to be well into menopause - has laid me 2 white eggs for my tea! You little cracker, Wally!!
It took me months and months between finally deciding to rescue some chooks and actually getting them. The intervening period was spent researching what they need - shelter at night, shelter from rain and strong winds, food supplies and security (rats), water, dust baths, entertainment, safety.
Best to take your time and get all that done and in place so that when you do find some suitable hens, you're ready to home them with no hiccups.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
I may be wrong .... but I think you might have to re-think your plans in order to comply with the current avian flu regulations.
I don't think birds can be free range, and have to be kept in a fenced off area with a solid roof so that wild birds (or their droppings) can't access your hens.
I'm no expert on this .... but just going by what my neighbours have had to put it place.
Bee x
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
Sorry, I can't keep up with all the replies - thanks to everyone for their advice and tips!
Hi @Bee witched - thanks for the heads up, I think you're absolutely right, I remember seeing it on the news a couple of months back I think... not to worry, I am only in early planning stages, sadly no chickens will be coming to live with us anytime real soon!!
Best to take your time and get all that done and in place so that when you do find some suitable hens, you're ready to home them with no hiccups.