Poultry Basics
There are some things you'll need to think about if you're going to keep hens, or any other livestock for that matter. Most importantly, any livestock is a 365 days per year commitment. If you're not around, then you MUST make arrangements for another responsible person to feed, water and check over the animals. If you can't do this, then stick to fruit and vegetables.
A couple of misunderstandings that may arise - you don't need a cockerel to get hens to produce eggs and the colour of the egg is not related to the colour of the hen. Our Brown Leghorn lays white eggs and the Light Sussex, which is white, lays brown eggs.
We keep hens mainly for egg production but we do hatch some chicks each year and the males are used as table birds. However, you may want to raise birds for the table, breed poultry or simply keep them as ornamental pets. Different breeds, of which there are dozens, are suitable for different purposes, so decide what you want to achieve first.
Don't start keeping poultry on a small-scale thinking that you will save money or even less likely, make money. Even after the initial outlay for housing and feeders and the ongoing cost of bedding, feed and grit, you'll find that your reward is seeing your hens happy and thriving, and most of all eating fresher eggs and tastier chicken than you'll find in any supermarket.