I live in a semi in a village, does anyone know if it would be ok for me to keep hens,?

Answer 1

It should be fine. They count as pets as long as you only have a few. I know there is a law about cocks crowing too loudly or at the wrong time of day - you might want to research this law (I can't remember the exact details) because it might prove useful to know.

Answer 2

Hens are not hard to keep. Aslng as they have a secure hen house to stay in at nite and a run during the day. They do not need alot of space.

Answer 3

If you're in the Uk then I doubt that there would be any problems. In any case, isn't it almost traditional to keep hens when you live in a village? lol

There are lots of websites out there offering help & advice:
http://www.gardenpoultry.cwc.net/ftpk1.htm
http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/articles/poultry/basics/
http://www.backyardchickens.com/
http://www.downthelane.net/Page_7.html
http://www.nfpledbury.co.uk/products/poultry/Domestic/guide%20to%20keeping.html
http://www.poultry.allotment.org.uk/Chicken_a/keeping_chickens/index.php

The only major rule is that, if you have more than 50, you'll need to register them with Defra. I think that this is related to the bird flu threats:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/statements/060201.htm
Apparently, you can also choose to register if you have less than 50 ... I don't know if registering means that they update you with all the latest info on keeping chickens/bird flu etc. or not. However, I imagine that you may be planning on having fewer than 50 ... well, at least to start with!

Answer 4

You need to check the local laws about it's legality. If noise could be a problem, just keeping hens is a good idea. If interested in helping save an endangered breed of chicken ...

Poultry Breeds In Danger of Extinction
http://albc-usa.org/cpl/wtchlist.html
(Scroll >DOWN< to see chicken breeds on the verge of becoming extinct. The "Buckeye" has many odd sounds, & hunts mice!)

Endangered Species--Why Be Concerned?
- How You Are Involved ...
http://watchtower.org/library/g/1996/8/8/endangered_the_scope.htm

Poultry Raising Info ...
http://albc-usa.org/store/store-poultry.php
You'll appreciate the "Chicken Tractor", a moveable henhouse so you can move the chickens, instead of having to move their manure! (; It's about time! No one likes to shovel manure?

Answer 5

You have to have permission to keep livestock from the local Council (if you have one) or the Parochial Council. If you keep hens you are going to need a Cockerel to get eggs, and who wants one of those crowing at dawn each morning? Whatever.

Answer 6

can't see any problem with keeping hens as long as you don't get a **** bird as this might upset the locals

Answer 7

It'll be fine, just promise a few eggs to your neighbours and don't have a cockeral.

Answer 8

You are best asking your local council

Answer 9

Thats ghetto fabulous!!

Answer 10

YEAH,, WHY NOT .