The new residents at Laverstoke Park Education Centre
In early 2010 we discovered that there were 16 chickens which needed a new home!
The chickens are Maran Cuvee and Leghorns, and one magnificent rooster (also a Maran Cuvee).
10th March 2010 saw Emma the Education Officer and two dab hands at DIY recycle an old chicken house and create a new floor for it from old pallets. Over three days we hammered, sawed and screwed screws to create the new home.
We waterproofed the brood boxes and created a ladder and doorway just the right size for the new residents.
We filled the house with straw and the chickens were let into their new home.
The next day was their first day of release – they nervously exited the house but were soon happily scratching and exploring the new area around their house.
After a week the chickens had learnt to climb up and down the ladder, following a successful training session during which they were gently launched out of the door and onto the ladder.
The chickens are laying almost an egg a day each - beautiful brown eggs from the Marans and pale with speckles from the Leghorns. All have lovely bright yellow yolks and taste delicious. The size varies enormously as you can see from the picture. Some are even double yolkers!
The chickens are now used to seeing us and run towards us expecting food when we bring them clean water. They love nothing more than a treat of sultanas or wheat, and greedily peck them up almost as soon as they hit the ground.
Meet two of the Laverstoke Education Centre chickens – Jo, head chicken and Chuck the rooster.
Last Modified: 28/04/2010