There are many different types of chickens, so it’s really important to choose the right one. Some are more suitable than others if you wish to keep just a few chickens in the garden for eggs.
There are two types of chicken, (1) Pure Breed (pedigree) and (2) Hybrid.
Hybrid Hens are typically excellent egg layers and make excellent starter hens. They are really trouble free to keep and if cared for will go on to lay eggs all year around and for many years to come. The name ‘hybrid’ means they are a particular type of hen, bred for a specific purpose and in this case it is great egg laying. These hens are the ones we recommend.
Pure breeds can sometimes be good egg layers also, but importantly they are not usually vaccinated and can take a little more care. There are already directories that handle a list of breeders for pure breed hens and several clubs that represent these breeds. If you would like to know more, then there are two main clubs in Ireland that represent these breeders and these are the Poultry Keepers Club of Ireland or the Irish Society of Poultry Fanciers. Pure breed hens can be a good choice for some people, but do take a little more consideration in our opinion. Some more details on the pros and cons can be found in article on choosing chickens.
We’ve decided to put together a directory of hybrid Laying Hen Suppliers to help guide someone looking for some nice egg laying and trouble free chickens for a family garden, as this is the missing piece of information that is useful to someone looking for some hens.
- O' Learys Poultry - Macroom, Co. Cork - Contact via Facebook / Phone 087 969 7939. Delivery to most of Ireland.
- Little Hill Animal Rescue & Sanctuary - Co. Kildare - Contact via Facebook or Email littlehill.animalsanctuary@gmail.com
- Avondale Poultry - Mallow, Co. Cork - Phone 022 47496
While we cannot personally vouch for the chicken suppliers on the list, we do expect them to meet some simple requirements. We are also happy to add or remove suppliers based on feedback from customers of those suppliers if you would like to get in touch with us via the contact page. If you are a supplier of poultry and would like us to promote you on our website then please contact us at 'hello@pets.ie'. We ask that you meet the supplier requirements mentioned below before contacting us.
Supplier Requirements
- Hens must be fully vaccinated and in good health.
- Hens must be at the stage where they are just about to begin laying eggs (within 2-3 weeks).
- The supplier should be reputable and willing to provide contact details for follow up questions or advice from customers.