The first Growhampton hens arrived on campus over a decade ago and since then the old coop has housed an everchanging flock of quirky, lovable, feisty hens. With only minor repairs here and there and major works taking place just once when the roof was replaced, the old coop had done a great job. But it was a high time for a new one. As the project sets off on, hopefully, another decade of chicken keeping bliss, we wanted to share our journey so far.
The first flock of eight hens arrived on campus in spring 2015. They were purchased at a poultry show, aged around one and a half years of age. Most commercial hens reach the end of their laying life at around one, when most of them will be sent to slaughter. A few lucky ones will be rehomed. These hens are mostly hybrids, the typical ginger hen most folks imagine when thinking of chickens. The first Growhampton hens were what is called pure breeds, bred for not only egg laying but specific character traits like being good mother hens or the ability to cope in warmer climates. They tend to live longer as well. One of the hens, a Black Copper Maran named Queen V, lived to the grand old chicken age of ten, passing away in 2023.
The first Growhampton hens: Black Copper Maran, Wyandotte, Speckled Sussex, Araucane
In summer 2016, two hatching eggs arrived by post. Luckily, both our Speckled Sussex hens understood the task and our white Silkie hen called Ginkgo hatched with two dotting hens looking after her. Unfortunately, a few years later, she was taken by one of our furry red friends, whose name a chicken keeper never likes to say, or spell out. This was the only incident we ever had and the reason you will see the hens locked up during the colder, darker months. If you ever see the hens out after 6pm, please call campus security.
Our Silkie chick Gingko with her two mother hens in 2016.
The following year, we came across the British Hen Welfare Trust, a charity rescuing and rehoming commercial hens. The first rescues arrived in 2017, followed by more hens in 2018 and 2021. Some hens had never experienced rain, wind or sunshine before, standing squawking in the drizzle or scared of the shadows on the ground. They got there pretty quickly though and enjoyed their free range retirement on campus. These hens are still really good layers, giving around 4 eggs a week. We rehomed many more hens throughout the years, from local nurseries, schools, a biodynamic farm near Brighton and even from some former chicken volunteers.
Two of our very first rescued hens in 2017. Their feathers started growing back within days, even though their larger wing and tail feathers took a few months to be replaced.
We always wanted to show off the diversity of chicken breeds and raise awareness that they are so much more than just the most farmed animal on the planet. So in 2018 we purchased a box of hatching eggs. Unfortunately, none of the hens back then became broody when we placed the eggs into the coop. After an express delivery of an incubator and chick heating plate, the eggs were set up in the Student Union reception. Two cream legbar chicks and one Silkie chick hatched a few weeks later. Daisy, one of the cream legbars, has gone full circle and is currently living next to the SU Helpdesk until her new coop is finished. Despite her age, she still lays a few eggs in the warmer months.
The first chick to hatch, photographed through the incubator wall as maintaining moisture levels is vital for chicks to be able to hatch. If it gets too dry, the membrane under the egg shell hardens to the texture of leather, preventing the chicks to hatch. We had to manually assist one chick.
Our three chicks in 2018.
The chickens have always been looked after by our fantastic volunteers. They have shown up before class to let out the hens, carried buckets of water, corn treats and muck out, shown up in any weather and even on Christmas Day, got to know the flock and spotted a hen under the weather in an instant, and rushed to the coop at midnight when we, on very few occasions, forgot to lock them back up safely for the night. Without you, we couldn’t have done it, so a massive Thank You to you all who gave their time and love!
Volunteers have given over 3,000 hours of their time to look after the flock.
The new coop will provide an improved environment not just for the hens but the volunteers as well. And it is thanks to the maintenance team that the new coop is now taking shape. You can find a Thank You card for them to sign inside the Hive Cafe until 8th May.
From left: Wayne, Aaron, Pawel and Jason from the maintenance team.
Our next badge of rescue hens should arrive on campus this summer and our doors are back open from early May to any hen needing a new home - just email us if you or someone you know needs a cosy new home for their flock.
Just squeezing in one more picture because chucks hanging out just makes your day!
We are always keen for new volunteers, so reach out if you are interested to get involved. We operate 365 days a year via a flexible online calendar, so an easy way to learn new skills, spend time in nature and boost your mental wellbeing - plus get some steps in chasing after a hen who just doesn’t wanna go back inside. Oh, and volunteers get a free egg or Hive coffee voucher.
Email: growhampton@roehampton.ac.uk
Instagram: @roegrowhampton