A Guide To Keeping Chickens
Chickens are a wonderful addition to any family as they are inquisitive, full of character and each with an individual personality, and the quality of the eggs is far superior to those shop bought.
Chickens were one of the first animals ever domesticated by humans as they provide a valuable food source. Chickens on average produce 1 egg per day, but this is seasonal and will slow down in the winter period.
There are many different breeds of chickens available, so it is worth researching before you bring them home as they produce different sizes and quantities of eggs. There are also some rare breeds of chicken for showing, and some breeds are particularly maternal if you wish to breed.
Housing
Most gardens are suitable for housing chickens but the quantity you can house depends on the size of your garden, but chickens like to live in at least pairs. Please ensure to check with your local authority as some have rules around keeping chickens, especially cockerels due to noise restrictions.
You can buy a purpose-built chicken house and run, or you could convert a garden shed into chicken housing. When building a chicken house please remember to make all aspects fox and pest proof, and ensure the coop is weatherproof and provides adequate shelter from the elements.
It’s important to make sure there is a run space for your chickens to display natural behaviour such as foraging and stretching their legs, as well as a nesting box area for them to lay eggs in and a bedding area for them to stay warm and dry.
The nesting area should have a base of wood shavings and then topped with straw for them to get comfortable and lay their eggs in.
Feeding and water
Chicken nutrition is vital to ensure your chickens are fit and healthy. Most chicken owners feed a prepared chicken diet as this has been specially formulated to include everything your chicken needs to stay healthy.
As chickens do not have teeth to grind up their food they cleverly use an organ of their body called a gizzard to break down food. The gizzard is where food is stored and mixed with the grit and/or oyster shell which breaks the food down into a smaller more digestible size. Grit and/or oyster shell should therefore be available at all times.
Which chicken food to feed depends on the age and breed of the chicken but a general rule is as follows
From chicks up to 8 weeks of age should be fed chick crumb as this is small enough for them to eat without any issues
8 weeks to approximately 16 weeks they should be fed on a poultry grower pellet as this gives them the correct nutrients required for growth
16 weeks plus should be fed on a layers pellet diet
Layers mash can be used for older hens or hens who have digestive or beak issues
Chickens are foraging animals and other foods can be used to provide enrichment and provide an alternative food source. Mixed corn or wild bird seed mix are good options for scatter foods and could be sprinkled over the run for the chickens to find. It’s important that any foods used for enrichment are fed in the afternoon so the chickens don’t fill up on these feeds and miss out on their vital nutrition.
Chickens love treats and these are a great way to provide enrichment to your chickens. Suitable treats for chickens are vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, spring greens, cabbage and sprouts. You could even hang these to make feeding time into a game and more enjoyable and stimulating for your chickens; hanging feeders are available in store. There is a wide variety of ready made treats available in store such as pecking blocks, forage treats and even chicken popcorn
Fresh water should be available 24 hours a day to all chickens. A chicken tonic can be added to their water to ensure they are getting the correct vitamins and minerals daily.
Food and water should be provided in specially designed chicken drinkers and feeders which come in a wide variety of sizes and colours to suit your chickens needs.
Healthcare
Your chickens should be health checked daily to ensure they are all fit and well.
Your chicken should –
Have bright, clear eyes
Clean bright wattle
Clean dry healthy feathers
Clean undamaged beak
Clean legs and feet
No mites
Short nails
Clean bottom area
If you have any concerns over your chickens health you should contact a Poultry veterinarian.
We sell a wide range of preventatives and treatments in store for many poultry ailments.
Chickens are also prone to worm infestations and it is recommended to worm count your chickens every three months and worm your chickens approximately every 6 months (usually January and June time).
Eggs
Many people keep chickens so they can have a fresh supply of eggs from their own hens. On average chickens will lay one egg per day but this will slow down and can even stop as the nights get darker in the wintertime. Egg laying is also affected if the chicken is moulting, unwell or if they have a poor diet. If your chicken stops laying please speak to one of our team or a veterinarian for advice.
When collecting eggs make sure they are clean and free from faeces. An egg wash is available instore but regular coop cleaning normally means eggs do not need cleaning.
Fresh eggs can be stored out of the refrigerator for up to 30 days or up to 60 days if stored in the fridge. Eggs stored in the fridge should be brought to room temperature before cooking.
Shopping list
Below is a list of what you will need to get set up ready to become a chicken keeper
Coop and run
Floor bedding such as woodshavings or fresh bedding
Nesting bedding such as straw
Correct food for the age of the chicken
Mixed grit or oyster shell
Mixed corn for scatter feeding
Chicken treats
Poultry tonic water additive
Chicken drinker
Chicken feeder
Treat feeder
Grit pot
Coloured leg rings for identification
Mite powder for the hens and for the coop
Wormer
Book or information leaflet on chicken care
Take a look at the range of poultry products we have available!
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