Keeper’s diary

You’ll hear many opinions about the merits of having ex-layers for the season ahead. I’ve heard people say that they won’t stay put, that they don’t fly well and they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Not in my opinion.

I’ve had 500 ex-layers for the past three years now and I find they have some real benefits. First, they’re a lot cheaper than poults. Each bird costs me £2 rather than £3.75 per poult. I still spend the same