Care and advice from Pear Tree Poultry CO.

Welcome to the Pear Tree Poultry CO. care and advice hub. We are dedicated to helping you keep your flock thriving, whether you're a first-time chicken owner or an experienced enthusiast looking to hatch your own eggs. Our mission is to provide you with reliable, easy-to-understand information that ensures the health and happiness of your poultry.

Frequently asked questions

Here at Pear Tree Poultry CO., we believe that well-informed chicken owners make for happy, healthy chickens. Below, we've answered some of the most common questions we receive about caring for your hens and successfully hatching eggs. Our advice is based on years of experience and a deep passion for poultry, helping you ensure the best for your flock.

What are the most important things new chicken owners need to know to keep their hens happy and healthy?

🏡 Safe and comfortable housing: Your chickens’ home is the foundation of their health. Make sure your coop is secure from predators (especially foxes), has good ventilation but no drafts, provides at least one nesting box per three hens, has enough space (avoid overcrowding), and includes a dry, clean bedding area. A safe coop means stress-free hens and better egg laying.

🥗 Proper feeding: Good nutrition keeps your hens laying and healthy. Feed them a quality layers pellets or mash (main diet), fresh water daily (never let it run out), and occasional treats like greens or veg (in moderation). Avoid home food scraps and mouldy or spoiled food. A balanced diet equals consistent egg production.

💧 Clean water is essential: Chickens drink more than most people expect. Always provide fresh, clean water. Check it daily (twice in hot weather) and prevent freezing in winter. No water means no eggs, and it quickly leads to illness.

🧼 Keep things clean: Cleanliness prevents disease and parasites. Remove droppings regularly.

Could you share some key tips for someone looking to hatch their own chicken eggs?

🥚 Start with good eggs: Use fresh, clean, fertile eggs (ideally under seven days old) from a reliable source.

🌡️ Set your incubator correctly: Maintain a temperature of 37.5°C and humidity at 45–55% (increase to 65–70% for the last three days).

🔄 Turn the eggs: Turn at least three times daily until Day 18, then stop (“lockdown”).

🔦 Check development: Candle eggs at Day 7–10 to remove any infertile ones.

Wait 21 days: Chicks usually hatch around Day 21—be patient and avoid opening the incubator during hatching.

🐣 Be ready for chicks: Have a warm brooder set up with heat, food, and water before they hatch.

⚠️ Keep it clean and expect some losses: Clean equipment is essential, and not every egg will hatch—this is normal. Final Tip: Keep it simple, be consistent, and you’ll greatly improve your chances of a successful hatch.

What are the most common questions you get asked about looking after chickens or hatching eggs?

The questions above cover the most common enquiries we receive from our customers. If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to contact us at [[email]] or [[phonenumber]]. We are always happy to help!

Your journey with Pear Tree Poultry CO.

At Pear Tree Poultry CO., based in chapel st leonards, lincolnshire, United Kingdom, we are passionate about poultry and dedicated to sharing our knowledge with you. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality pol chickens and hatching eggs, supported by expert advice to ensure your success. Join our community of happy chicken owners and let us help you build a thriving flock.