Keeping hens in the garden has become a very  common 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. Chickens will need daily care and attention, so take this into consideration before buying any chickens. Prior to visiting a pet store or farm to purchase some hens, there are a number of factors that need to be considered. 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 design of the coop needs to take into consideration the number of poultry you wish to accommodate as well as protect them from 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. The important thing is to insure that the wood that is used has been treated and will not rot quickly. You should also be aware of screws, nails and fitting as they 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 crucial that you incorporate an access door, and you might want to consider integrating a droppings tray. 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. Keeping chickens in a confined space that is too small can quickly lead to illness and disease.

The chicken run will need to be constructed in a way that will discourage any predators, just the same as the coop. Digging wire netting into the ground by at least twelve inches is what most people do to keep rats and other rodents from stealing eggs. Electrified chicken fences are now readily available and you might want to consider investing in one if you live in a rural area that is prone to wild animals.

All poultry birds require a healthy and balanced diet. If you believe that you can feed your hens household scraps and let them forage the run for insects and grubs, this may not be suitable in the long term. Feeds that are designed specifically for chickens are available these days and they normally come in the form of mash or pellets.. The type of feed that should be given to your chickens will also depend on their age.

When keeping hens 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.