Keeping free range chickens in your backyard can be a lot of 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.

But, whatever your plans or aims, you must raise and keep your hens properly in order to achieve them. So here are the 10 vital steps for raising and keeping your poultry happily and in great condition.

Step 1, [select|choose|decide on] the breed. It is very important to get the right birds for your particular location and circumstances.  Tolerance to hot or cold climates, good layers or for the pot, good pets or backyard scratchers – these are just a few of the considerations when choosing your flock.  Your local chicken supplier can advise, or other neighbors with hens of their own.  

Step 2, [decide on|select|choose] the right number of birds. Hens need space in which to forage, exercise and nest comfortably. 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. You will need to allocate a period daily for providing food and water, cleaning out the coop and other jobs such as [inspection|checking the security] of perimeter fencing. Spend at least 15 minutes each day with your hens – they will love your company.

Step 4, build [shelter and housing|accommodation].  Your birds will need  safe places to roost and nest, particularly at night, and safety from predators. 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|protection]. Safety from predators is super important, and these come in many forms including cats and dogs, rats, wild animals, birds of prey, even snakes.  Do not underestimate the ability of predators to gain access to your hens through or under fences over time.  The chicken house must be properly secured and the fence around the hen run good enough to prevent your local predator types from getting through.  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|hazards]. Poultry can suffer from quite a few diseases, so do some research into the common ones in your area.  Try speaking to local chicken farmers and vets, as well as online forums – you will find the hen-keeping community very supportive.  

Step 7, identify applicable [rules|regulations|laws].  You must comply with all national and local regulations relating to raising or keeping poultry, although often these are not too oppressive.  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.  Poultry must have access to a mixed diet of proteins, greens and grain, as well as fresh water. A good protein diet is important, and your local feed store will be able to advise on this.  Protein supplements and grit are sometimes needed, but [usually|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. The rest of your hens’ diet should be met by foraging around their pen area.  

Step 9, consider weather and climate.  So long as they have shelter from hot, midday sun, most chicken varieties are able to adapt to a wide range of weather and climactic conditions. Make sure, however, that they are able to keep their feet dry.  

Step 10, consider [the|your] local environment. Most often people like hens in their neighborhood, so you are unlikely to have any problems.  It is sensible to involve your neighbors, who may be concerned about noise (hens are quiet, cocks or roosters are not!) and mess (hens in small quantities are very clean).  You could suggest the occasional box of fresh, free range eggs to get their vote!

You will note that none of these vital steps is anything other than common sense.  If you follow them you will have happy, healthy hens. 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 and enjoy your chickens!