7questions

…with a professional hen keeper

How did you get into hens?

We’d recently moved out of town and into a village. With three young children and a desire to be more self-sufficient, hen keeping seemed like an obvious next step. We’ve never looked back.

Libby Syddall has sold poultry for 14 years and now helps to run chickenstoyourdoor.co.uk, supplying hens to homes all over the UK

Who’s in your coop?

We have five stunning little bantams, including a Pekin, three ‘laced’ Wyandottes of different colours and a Silkie cross.

Any favourite breeds?

Pekins and Silkies win my heart every time. They have lovely rounded tails, feathery legs and feet, and an adorable waddling walk. They’re small, sweet and fun, making them a perfect choice for children.

Are hens hard work?

Not really, if they come properly vaccinated. You need to check water and layers pellets daily, and clean out the coop weekly. In the spring, summer and early autumn, stay vigilant for red mite, too.

Any advice for keeping them happy?

Hens love dust baths. They are as essential to their physical and mental health as food and water. I think a blend of diatomaceous earth, sand, dry soil and wood ash is a great mix.

What about edible treats?

Ours love any berries and worms they can scavenge around the garden. I also grow sunflowers for them, as they adore the seeds. If I’m feeling generous, I treat them to some melon.

Why’s poultry-keeping suddenly so popular? Animal welfare and food quality concerns are a great motivator. Covid has given many people the chance to slow down, reflect and act on their long-held dream to have hens in the garden.

at chickenstoyourdoor.co.uk.