We had trouble parking in their car park, as unknown to us there was a talk (“Starting with Chickens”) by Thorne's Chicken Club. There was a middle-aged man (Frank) standing surrounded by about 40 people of all ages, some had notebooks and were eagerly recording his every word.
The poultry centre was well set-up and catered for both the experienced and novice chicken keeper. The staff seemed very knowledgeable and friendly. We had a walk around and saw some of the rare breeds they kept, including Old English Game, Buff Orpingtons, Welsumer and some pure breed bantams including Silkie, Pekin Bantam and Araucanas.
They had quite a few hybrid pullets, including White Star, Rhode Star, Bluebelle, Bovans Nera, Coral, Goldline, Magpie, Maran Cuvree, Skyline, Speckledy and Sussex Line. We decided to get three pullets, although the coop could fit up to five, the additional space would help reduce stress.
There was a good discussion on which hybrid's to get. I chose a White Star, because it would lay pure white eggs, my wife Val and Alicia chose a Rhode Star, which lays a proper rural beige egg. Alfie chose a Bovans Nera, the larger of the three pullets.
Their wings were clipped and placed in a cardboard box to take home. The salesman who selected the birds told us they were about 16 weeks old. They would probably not lay for a further 3 – 5 weeks and should be kept on growers feed for at least 4 weeks.
The pullets had to have names: so here they are:
White Star – KFC
Rhode Star – Cullen
Bivans Nera – Chief Cluck
The birds were transported home in the car. After adding a generous layer of straw to the run and the hen house the three young hens were introduced to their new home. They were very subdued and all cuddled beneath the hen house in the corner. The feeder and water container were filled and they were left alone to get acclimatised. Early evening came and they were encouraged to go into the hen house and the door shut for the night.
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