Question 1

How much do chickens and poultry cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Point-of-lay hybrid hens usually cost £15–£30 each, rescue ex-commercial hens a few pounds, pure breeds and bantams £20–£60, and ducks and geese £20–£150 depending on breed. Housing, a secure run and feed are the bigger long-term costs.

Question 2

Do I need to register my chickens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Great Britain all bird keepers must register their birds with APHA, however few they keep. Registration means you receive disease alerts and housing orders during an avian influenza outbreak.

Question 3

How many chickens should I start with?

Accepted Answer

At least three. Hens are flock birds and a single bird kept alone will be stressed and vulnerable. Three to six hybrid hens suit a typical garden and will produce plenty of eggs for a household.

Question 4

How many eggs will a hen lay?

Accepted Answer

A good hybrid layer produces around 250–300 eggs in her first year, tailing off each year afterwards. Pure breeds generally lay less but live and lay for longer, and all hens slow or stop while moulting and in deep winter.

Question 5

Do I need a cockerel to get eggs?

Accepted Answer

No. Hens lay perfectly well without one — a cockerel is only needed if you want fertile eggs for hatching. Many local authorities and neighbours object to the noise, so check before keeping one.

Question 6

How do I protect poultry from foxes and bird flu?

Accepted Answer

Use a solid house locked at dusk, weld-mesh rather than chicken wire, and either a dug-in skirt or a full walk-in run. During an avian influenza housing order you must keep birds under cover and follow the biosecurity rules issued by Defra.

Question 7

How do I avoid scams when buying poultry online?

Accepted Answer

View the animal in person at the seller's own home before any money changes hands, keep all messages inside PetTrader so there is a record, and never pay by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to someone you have not met. Every PetTrader seller completes a photo-ID and live selfie check, and verified accounts carry a badge, and you can report an advert from the listing page.

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