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 might not wish to think of them as a nutritious source of food, but this is an option particularly for any surplus cockerels.

You will not do any of this, however, without managing your chickens properly. These, then, are the vital steps for getting and keeping your flock in tip top condition.

Step 1, [select|choose|decide on] the breed. You need to choose a breed that thrives in your particular area and suits your own requirements.  Susceptible to hot or cold climates, boiler or layer, hobby or business – these are just a few of the considerations when choosing your flock.  You can get good advice from your local hen supplier and from poultry farmers in your area.  

Step 2, [decide on|select|choose] the right number of birds. Hens need space in which to forage, exercise and nest comfortably. Plan on about one square meter or 10 square feet for each hen.  Divide this into the area you have allocated for the hen house and runs to give you the maximum number of chickens you can keep. Three is considered the minimum, because hens like company.

Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. Poultry needs daily care and attention for feeding, watering, coop cleaning and general maintenance of their living area such as [inspection|checking the security] 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|accommodation].  Your birds will need  safe places to roost and nest, particularly at night, and safety from predators. You should provide fresh water and shelter from hot sunshine. A good chicken coop will have easy access for cleaning and a way to collect eggs without disturbing the hens too much.

Step 5, provide [security|protection]. Safety from predators is super important, and these come in many forms including cats and dogs, rats, wild animals, birds of prey, even snakes.  Many of these are expert at getting through, under or over fences given time.  The coop and hen run must be safe and secure from all such predators.  If there could be a threat from birds of prey you should provide a covering for the run as well – it also prevents the hens flying away!

Step 6, consider health [precautions|hazards]. Poultry can suffer from quite a few diseases, so do some research into the common ones in your area.  Try speaking to local chicken farmers and vets, as well as online forums – people involved with hens are all very helpful.  

Step 7, identify applicable [rules|regulations|laws].  You must comply with all national and local regulations relating to raising or keeping poultry, although often these are not too oppressive.  Seek help and advice from your local town hall or government offices.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Hens need protein, grains, greens and water. A good protein diet is important, and your local feed store will be able to advise on this.  You might need to introduce protein supplements and grit into your hen food, but [usually|most likely] free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. There must be a constant supply of fresh, clean water.  Consider fitting automatic water dispensers if you are planning to be away for even a day. 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. Make sure, however, that they are able to keep their feet dry.  

Step 10, consider [the|your] local environment. Usually keeping chickens is viewed as a good thing, so you should not encounter significant problems here.  Perhaps talk to any neighbors who might have concerns about possible noise or smells, to reassure them.  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. One final thought – each happy hen should give you 6 fresh eggs each week throughout the spring and summer months!

We have a great deal of information about how to build a chicken coop and where to get the best chicken house plans on our website. Good luck and enjoy your chickens!

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Posted by admin on March 8th, 2010 :: Filed under Pets
Tags :: backyard chicken raising, chicken coop ideas, chicken house plans, how to build a chicken coop, keeping free range chickens
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