Keeping Chickens In The Garden and Things You Should Know

Keeping chickens in the garden has become a very popular pastime. It is a relatively easy activity and one that can be incredibly inspiring, also there is the possibility of having access to an almost unlimited supply of fresh and natural eggs. Before you buy any chickens, it is essential to be aware that they will need daily care and attention. There are various factors that would need to be considered prior to travelling to a pet shop or farm to pick up a selection of birds. Living space, feed, water, and protection from predators should be thought through at the initial stage.

Once you have decided how many chickens you will have, the next stage would be to put together suitable housing. The coop needs to have been designed to accommodate the correct number of birds and keep them protected against the elements. Most coops would be manufactured out of wood, you can get hold of ready made designs or build your own to a custom plan.

A chicken will not be interested in how stylish their coop looks. What is important is that the wood that is used does not rot quickly. Also be aware of nails, fittings, and other screws which can rust and cause injury.

The coop should contain perches for the birds to roost, as well as offering an easy way for cleaning and to collect eggs. It is often useful to integrate a droppings board and a large access door. You will need to cover the floor of the coop with material that allows the birds to nest and be comfortable, wood shavings and straw are ideal choices.

Apart from a secure house, the chickens will also need a run to exercise and use, this could be your whole garden or a small fenced off area. The bigger the run the better, all hens benefit from having access to a large range. If a chicken is kept in too small a space it may quickly start to suffer from a number of disturbing illnesses.

As with the coop, the run needs to be constructed to keep all predators out. Most people would use wire netting that is buried at least twelve inches into the ground, this can help to stop rats from entering the area and stealing eggs. There is electrified poultry fencing available which should be considered if you live in a rural area that has many foxes.

All poultry birds require a healthy and balanced diet. If you believe that you can feed your chickens household scraps and let them forage the run for insects and grubs, this may not be suitable in the long term. Today there are various special feeds available that have been designed for poultry, these usually come in the form of pellets or a mash. The age of the birds will also have an impact on the type of feed that should be given.

When keeping chickens in the garden do not forget to give an adequate amount of water. Always ensure there are enough water containers available for all the birds. Galvanised metal designs are stronger and more practical than the plastic options.