Get a real egg this Easter Anyone with a back garden could be producing their own fresh, cheap and healthy eggs this Easter by joining the growing trend of keeping laying hens. That is according to Fred Price, a keen poultry enthusiast from Craven Arms in South Shropshire, and store assistant at the town’s Wynnstay country supply store. Keeping hens at home is rapidly becoming one of the most fashionable ways of joining the real-food revolution. Food provenance and animal welfare are increasingly affecting the way we look at and shop for food. But for people who really want to know where there food has come from there is really only one option – produce it yourself. “Anyone can try their hand at home-grown egg production,” Fred believes, “as long as they have got a decent sized garden. All that is required is a self-contained chicken ark, a regular supply of feed and water, and a few minutes care each day.”

Mr Price estimates that after the initial set-up costs of £100 to £200, it can cost less than a pound per week to keep a flock of four birds. In return they will produce two dozen eggs per week. “That’s exceptionally good value when you consider it can cost almost as much to buy half a dozen standard supermarket eggs,” Fred remarks.

Mr Price also believes that keeping chickens can be very therapeutic. “Chickens can make exceptionally charming pets, and watching a few hens cluck around the garden is a really great way to relax after a stressful day at work.”

Before leaping headlong into chicken keeping, Mr Price advises would-be smallholders to research the subject and seek professional advice. “There is a huge amount of free information available online, but the very best way to learn about keeping hens is to ask a professional. Wynnstay staff are fully trained in all aspects of animal husbandry and our stores stock all the necessary equipment and feed you’ll need to set up your own egg enterprise. And with Wynnstay Stores located throughout Wales, the West Midlands and the North West, starting your own flock couldn’t be easier.”

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Evans , Retail Director
Sian Jones, Retail Administrator

Office: 01691 828512

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