If you've read this blog over the 8 years I've been writing it you'll know that in that time I've kept a lot of different chickens (never over 50 though - just encase Defra is reading this!)
And I do normally get some ex-commercial hens each year as my layers. But this year they forgot to ring me!
So the other day I was frustrated with the fact I'd forgotten to buy eggs and decided that enough was enough and I was just going to get a few layers to tide us over until we have our own pullets.
I drove a good 45 minutes to get these hens, apparently they're not Warrens but called Calder Rangers. they have a splash of black on their tails. And although these were a few pounds more than the warrens (£15 instead of £12) these were already in lay at 25 weeks old compared to 16 weeks old. Far better to have them laying straight away for us at the moment!
They haven't disappointed on the laying front. A couple of eggs the first full day here then four the day after. So great having fresh eggs again.
It's very easy to become complacent when you produce your own food. sometimes it's worth buying store bought again just so you know what you've been missing out on. This is the first time in years I've got full priced chickens but I've no regrets but hopefully I'll plan it better for future years and have succession sorted!
What else have you had where store bought doesn't compare to home produced?
i buy as little as possible at my grocery store. i drive to amish markets to buy as much as i can. nothing like local eggs!
ReplyDeleteI bet what they produce is good. I often watch programs on them on youTube. Such a fascinating way of life. I'm sure we could all learn a lot from them in some areas.
DeleteJust wondering, is your run fixed or do you move it around. Just about to build a new one and I thought I might make this one mobile.
ReplyDeleteMine are moevable. Haven't cleaned a chicken pen (other than the brooder) out in three years and not lost one to the fox yet using this system. Here's a link to the ones I built, any questions just drop me an email. Only downside is they're not great to turn around, but great on the straight! Need a fair bit of space for them. The idea being they get fresh grass every day or every other depending how many are in there. http://www.englishhomestead.com/2017/07/easy-to-build-mobile-chicken-tractor.html
Deleteoh exciting. I love seeing them. sweet corn and lettuce grown at home tastes completely different from shop bought. I dont know what it is but it is just better. Like you can taste the sunshine
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on those! Sweetcorn take up loads of room for what is quite a small harvest, but man is it worth it! So sweet when home grown. I think it's to do with as soon as it's picked it starts turning the sugar into starch. The old phrase was you walk to pick it but run back to get it in the pot!
Deleteyou could use the 3 sisters trick of beans growing up the sweetcorn and squash around the bottom so you dont have to weed. I am thinking of it myself this year in a bed.
DeleteI've tried it in the past but I find that none do as well. Apparently when the indians would do it they'd just pick a new bit of land each year. I guess they had the space to.
Deletemassive compost heap would probably do well.
DeleteWhat else have you had where store bought doesn't compare to home produced? My answer? Everything I grow for myself! Having my own garden, orchard chickens and bees makes me a food snob in a way. I find there is nothing to compare with what I grow on my own. Plus, I love the exercise and activity. Like you, my hens went on a winter holiday. Like you, I rediscovered why I go through all the bother to keep hens!
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