Vale of York Poultry
Basic Information on keeping hens
Hens can be a wonderful addition to your life. They are entertaining, interesting and of course provide wonderful fresh eggs for much of the year.
While the birds are easy to keep, they do require care and attention. Fresh water is essential at all times as is food. Keeping any livestock is a year round commitment and if you are going to be away then you must make arrangements for another responsible person to feed, water and check over the animals.
You do not need a cockerel to get eggs out of a hen.
The colour of the hen does not affect the colour of the egg.
Hens may lay fewer eggs in the winter months or may even stop laying altogether. This is perfectly natural.
You do not need a licence to keep hens unless you have more than 50. However the title deeds of your house may prohibit keeping them
Don’t start keeping hens thinking you will save money or make money. Do it for the pleasure of seeing your hens happy and thriving and eating fresher eggs and tastier chicken than you’ll get anywhere else.