Like many people, you probably love the idea of keeping free range poultry in your backyard or garden. You will enjoy delicious, fresh eggs on a daily basis. If your aim is to have these birds as pets (like many people) 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 hens properly in order to achieve them. Here, briefly, are the most important steps you must take to keep your free range hens healthy, safe and content.
Step 1, decide on the breed. It is vital to choose the right breed for your area and requirements. Susceptible to hot or cold climates, boiler or layer, hobby or business – there are many things to consider before you get your hens. 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. Your hens will need sufficient room to exercise, forage 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. You need at least three chickens, to stop them feeling lonely.
Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. You will need to allocate a period each day for feeding, cleaning, watering and other tasks such as inspection of perimeter fencing. Spend at least 15 minutes per day with your hens – they will love your company.
Step 4, build accommodation. Poultry must have places to roost, nest and forage safely. 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 rats, dogs, raccoons, weasels, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, foxes, perhaps snakes. Do not underestimate the ability of predators to gain access to your hens through or under fences over 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. There are quite a few diseases that can affect hens, and you need to check out those that are common in your locality. Internet forums, local chicken farmers and vets are all useful sources – you will find the hen-keeping community very supportive.
Step 7, identify applicable regulations. Be sure to identify and follow all relevant rules and regulations about hen keeping in your area, 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. Hens need protein, grains, greens and water. Protein is particularly important – talk to your local feed supplier for advice on this. Protein supplements and grit are sometimes needed, but most likely free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. Your hens must have fresh, clean water all the time. Consider fitting automatic water dispensers if you are planning to be away for even a day. Grains and greens are usually provided by foraging.
Step 9, consider weather and climate. Most chicken varieties are fairly tolerant of harsh climactic conditions, provided that you give them access to shade when the sun is overhead. Make sure, however, that they are able to keep their feet dry.
Step 10, consider 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. You could suggest the occasional box of fresh, free range eggs to get their vote!
Actually most of these vital steps are common sense and are not difficult. If you follow them you will have happy, healthy hens. Oh, one last thing – each of those happy hens should provide you with 6 fresh, free range eggs per week for most of the year!
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. Now go and enjoy those chickens!
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