Pet Shop Haven

Backyard chicken raising is a wonderful hobby.  You will enjoy delicious, fresh eggs on a daily basis. If your aim is to have these birds as pets (like many people) you might not want to consider them as potential Sunday dinner, but it is something to at least consider as a good source of income perhaps.

None of this can be done without looking after your chickens properly. So here are the 10 vital steps for raising and keeping your poultry happily and in great condition.

Step 1, choose the breed. You need to choose a breed that thrives in your particular area and suits your own requirements.  Tolerance to hot or cold weather, good layers or for the pot, good pets or backyard scratchers – there are many aspects you need to consider carefully at the outset.  Your local chicken supplier can advise, or other neighbors with hens of their own.  

Step 2, choose the right number of birds. Hens need space in which to forage, exercise and nest comfortably. Plan on about 10 square feet or one square meter per bird as a minimum.  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. Poultry needs daily care and attention for providing food and water, cleaning out the coop and other jobs such as 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 accommodation.  Poultry must have places to roost, nest and forage safely. They should have a place to shelter from the sun and a source of fresh water. Buy or make a hen house that has good access for cleaning and collecting eggs without upsetting the birds too much.

Step 5, provide protection. Safety from predators is super important, and these come in many forms including rats, dogs, raccoons, weasels, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, foxes, perhaps snakes.  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 hazards. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Internet forums, local chicken farmers and vets are all useful sources – you will find the hen-keeping community very supportive.  

Step 7, identify applicable laws.  Be sure to identify and follow all relevant rules and regulations about hen keeping in your area, although these are not usually very taxing.  Go to your local town hall, government offices or planning department for guidance.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Poultry must have access to a mixed diet of proteins, greens and grain, as well as fresh water. Protein is especially important, and your local feed store will be able to advise you on a suitable source.  Protein supplements and grit are sometimes needed, but usually free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.  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.  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 your 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.  They might like the thought of a supply of free range eggs on their doorstep!

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!

If you would like more information about how to build a chicken coop or where to get the best chicken house plans, please visit our website. Good luck with your birds – we know you will enjoy them!

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