Pat, Cat & Dog

Like many people, you probably love the idea of keeping free range poultry in your backyard or garden.  The eggs will be fresh and taste delicious. If you intend to raise your hens as pets you will not think about having the occasional Sunday roast dinner courtesy of your feathered flock, but this is an option particularly for any surplus cockerels.

But, whatever your plans or aims, you must raise and keep your chickens properly in order to achieve them. These, then, are the vital steps for getting and keeping your flock in tip top condition.

Step 1, choose the breed. It is very important to get the right birds for your particular location and circumstances.  Preference for warmer or cooler climes, egg-layer or dinner table, pet or farmyard bird – there are many aspects you need to consider carefully at the outset.  You can get good advice from your local hen supplier and from poultry farmers in your area.  

Step 2, select the right number of birds. Hens must have enough room to forage and nest. Plan on about one square meter or 10 square feet for each bird.  This will govern the maximum number of chickens you should plan on getting, based on the available space you have. Three is considered the minimum, because hens like company.

Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. Your hens will need you to allocate some time every day for providing food and water, cleaning out the coop and other jobs such as inspection of perimeter fencing. Allow 10 or 15 minutes for a small flock, and expect them to follow you closely as you walk around their pen.

Step 4, build shelter and housing.  Hens need somewhere to roost safely at night, with perches and nesting boxes. You should provide fresh water and shelter from hot sunshine. Buy or make a hen house that has good access for cleaning and collecting eggs without upsetting the birds too much.

Step 5, provide security. Safety from predators is vital, and threats come from many creatures including rodents, domestic animals such as dogs and cats, foxes, birds of prey, possibly snakes and other unwanted intruders.  Many of these are expert at getting through, under or over fences given time.  You need a secure hen house, at least, and should also consider providing a fenced run or pen with chicken wire sides buried to at least 12 inches.  The chicken run will need a top as well, if there are birds of prey around or the run is close to trees – to prevent your chickens taking flight!

Step 6, consider health precautions. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Try speaking to local chicken farmers and vets, as well as online forums – you will get a lot of help from the chicken-keeping community.  

Step 7, identify applicable regulations.  You must comply with all national and local regulations relating to raising or keeping poultry, although these are seldom very demanding.  Your local town hall or government offices should be able to give you all the guidance and information you need.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Poultry must have access to a mixed diet of proteins, greens and grain, as well as fresh water. A good protein diet is important, and your local feed store will be able to advise on this.  You might need to include protein supplements and grit in the hen food, but usually free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.  If you are going to be away you might need to fit automatic water dispensers for the chickens. The rest of your hens’ diet should be met by foraging around their pen area.  

Step 9, consider weather and climate.  So long as they have shelter from hot, midday sun, most chicken varieties are able to adapt to a wide range of weather and climactic conditions. They can take a surprising amount of cold but they need to keep their feet dry.  

Step 10, consider the local environment. Keeping chickens is usually regarded favorably by most people, so you should not face any problems here.  It is sensible to involve your neighbors, who may be concerned about noise (hens are quiet, cocks or roosters are not!) and mess (hens in small quantities are very clean).  They might like the thought of a supply of free range eggs on their doorstep!

Actually most of these vital steps are common sense and are not difficult.  Follow them and you will enjoy happy, healthy chickens for years to come. Oh, one more thing – a happy hen should lay 6 eggs a week during the spring and summer months!

Please visit us if you would like more information about keeping hens, such as how to build a chicken coop and where to get the best chicken house plans. Good luck with your birds – we know you will enjoy them!

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