Like many people, you probably love the idea of keeping free range poultry in your backyard or garden. You will enjoy delicious, fresh eggs almost daily. If your aim is to have these birds as pets (like many people) you might not wish to think of them as a nutritious source of food, but it is something to at least consider as a good source of income perhaps.
But, whatever your plans or aims, you must raise and keep your hens 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. Susceptible to hot or cold weather, boiler or layer, hobby or business – these are just a few of the aspects when choosing your flock. Your local chicken supplier can advise, or other neighbors with hens of their own.
Step 2, decide on the right number of birds. Chickens must have enough room to forage and nest. Plan on about one square meter or 10 square feet for each hen. This will govern the maximum number of chickens you should plan on getting, based on the available space you have. You need at least three chickens, to stop them feeling lonely.
Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. Your birds will need you to allocate some time every day for feeding, cleaning, watering and other tasks such as checking the security of perimeter fencing. Budget about 15 minutes per day, at the same time if possible – hens love routine.
Step 4, build accommodation. Hens need somewhere to roost safely at night, with perches and nesting boxes. They also must have a place to shelter from too much sun and they need a supply of fresh water. The chicken house should be easy to clean and allow egg collection without too much disturbance for the hens.
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 highly intelligent and very good at gaining access, especially over a period of 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. 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. 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 – people involved with hens are all very helpful.
Step 7, identify applicable rules. You must know and comply with all applicable laws for keeping hens in your locality, 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. Chickens need a diet of greens, grains, protein and fresh water. Protein is particularly important – talk to your local feed supplier for advice on this. You might need to include protein supplements and grit in the hen food, but most likely free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. Your hens must have fresh, clean water all the time. 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. Most breeds of hen can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, provided that they can shelter from very hot sun. 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. You might need to reassure some of your neighbors about possible noise and smells, to get their support. You could suggest the occasional box of fresh, free range eggs to get their vote!
You can see that these vital steps are neither difficult nor obscure. 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. Now go and enjoy those chickens!