CHICKEN AND DUCK FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions
We have been asked thousands of questions about chickens and ducks in the past so we thought we would do a round up of the most popular of them in hope that they will be able to answer any questions you have. But as always, feel free to get in touch with us if your question isn't answered here.
What is 'Point of Lay'?
Point of Lay is a term we use to describe our hens or ducks that are around the age of producing eggs. We class a hen as point of lay from 16 weeks of age, for ducks we would class point of lay around 24 weeks old. Do not be worried if your duck or hen doesn't start laying at this exact time frame as, like humans, they are all different and will start laying for you very soon after this.
Have my Chickens been vaccinated?
We vaccinate all of our chickens against Infectious Bronchitis, Newcastle's Disease, Mycoplasma, Maraks and we Worm them.
How will I get my Chickens/Ducks home?
We offer an option to purchase a cardboard poultry carrier to transport your chickens or ducks in safely or you can bring your own carrier. Please bear in mind that the more poultry you purchase the more boxes you may need to purchase from us or will need to bring yourself. Our primary concern is that the birds get to their new home happily and safely.
Can Chickens/Ducks live in my house?
Yes. Obviously they can as long as they are provided with their necessary items to live, ie, food, water, entertainment, but as a note they are very messy and very hard to house train. This is a personal thing! But we would recommend that poultry live a full life outside where they have room to forage and live their best life!
What should I feed my chickens?
Chickens need different types of feed at different stages of their lives. From day old to about 6 weeks they can have a chick crumb.
From 6weeks to about 14-20 weeks (depending on breed) they can have Grower or rearer pellets.
From 14-20 weeks and up they should be on a good quality layer pellet or layer mash. Their pellet feed should make up 80-90% of their diet. You can then supplement the rest with lovely treats, but treats should be given sparingly as if you over treat your hens will want this and not eat their pellet feed, they need the pellet feed as this has been nutritionally designed to give them most of the vitamins, minerals, protein etc… they need. You should not feed corn, wheat or barley as their main feed.
What is the difference between a Cockerel and a Rooster?
Nothing apart from the age. A Cockerel is a male chicken who is under one year old, and a Rooster is a male chicken who is over one year old.
What is a Pullet?
A Pullet is a female chicken who is under one year old. She is classed as a hen once she is over one year old.
Can I keep any breed of chicken?
The breed that is right for you will depend on a number of factors including your poultry-keeping experience, how much space you have, what sort of egg production you are looking for. Our Poultry Team will be happy to advise you on the right birds for you and your situation.
Are there any restrictions for keeping chickens?
You should check your property title deeds, tenancy agreement and/or local by-laws for clauses relating to keeping poultry.
What treats can I give my chickens?
Chickens love treats, and we love treating them, just like we do for any other pet, however, be careful with treating as not all foods are suitable and over treating can be harmful.
How to move house with chickens?
Timing is important when moving house, you don’t want to pack your hens up too early and have them in boxes for too long, but at the same time, you don’t want to try packing them during the day as it causes stress. The best time to pack up your hens will be last thing the night before you move, once they are a sleep it is easier to catch and secure them safely and without causing too much stress.