Ruth Downs, UK

Started keeping them 10 years ago with small children moved to a bigger house/garden... thought it would be fun..

I still buy eggs... have re-homed battery chickens but wouldn't do that again...not good layers.. they're pets rather than food

Our set up is a back garden rnn but can roam back garden. Slope hill plum trees..

Flock consists of red shavers 6 and one blonde bantam... (council states I should only have 3 but I have aquired from neighbours etc) one will jump the gats and make a noise the back door to be fed. Others will peck my toes when hanging out the washing

Pros: Fresh eggs when they lay..

Cons: Scratch up garden... have my vegys fenced off..

Read lots and have someone who can euthanize if you can't!

Allison Dean, Newcastle

My aunt used to rescue battery hens, her mother-in-law used to keep them as pets. They would live free-range with my Aunty. I used to remember them. They used to stay behind the garage.