10 Vital Steps For Keeping Free Range Hens
Keeping free range hens in your backyard can be great fun. The eggs will be fresh and taste delicious. If you intend to raise your hens as pets you might not want to consider them as potential Sunday dinner, but this is an option particularly for any surplus cockerels.
None of this can be done without looking after your hens properly. So here are the 10 vital steps for raising and keeping your poultry happily and in great condition.
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 aspects you need to consider carefully at the outset. You can get good advice from your local hen supplier and from poultry farmers in your area.
Step 2, choose the right number of birds. Hens must have enough room to forage and nest. 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. You need at least three chickens, to stop them feeling lonely.
Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. Your hens will need you to allocate daily periods 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. Hens need somewhere to roost safely at night, with perches and nesting boxes. They should have a place to shelter from the sun and a source 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 paramount and there is a wide range of these 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. Look out for eagles and other big birds of prey, and put a suitable covering over the run if necessary – it will also stop your chickens flying up into nearby trees!
Step 6, consider health hazards. There are quite a few diseases that can affect hens, and you need to check out those that are common in your locality. Talk to vets, other chicken keepers and online forums – you will find the hen-keeping community very supportive.
Step 7, identify applicable laws. You must comply with all national and local regulations relating to raising or keeping poultry, 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. Chickens need a diet of greens, grains, protein and fresh water. Protein is especially important, and your local feed store will be able to advise you on a suitable source. You might need to introduce protein supplements and grit into your hen food, but usually free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. 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. Make sure, however, that they are able 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. 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!
You can see that these vital steps are neither difficult nor obscure. Following them should ensure that you have happy and healthy chickens in your backyard. 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 with your birds – we know you will enjoy them!
Jan 22, 2010 | 0 | bird care tips
