Keeping Chickens
Keeping your own chickens or ducks is a great way to provide you with fresh eggs everyday and gets you that little bit more self sufficient. In general its pretty easy to do as well. Once you have mastered the basics of food, water and shelter the Chickens will do the rest themselves.
They say a chicken will lay an egg a day but don't be surprised if their are times when productivity slows down or even stops in the deep, cold winter. Nature isn't always like clockwork. There are breeds that are more prolific than others.
Chicken Coop
If you're any way handy it might be an idea to build your own coop. The main thing is to make it fox proof and weather proof. It also needs to be easy for you to clean and get to the eggs. You will need put in nesting boxes and perch. An easy and popular alternative is to buy one from your local DIY shop.
How many?
Chickens are social creatures so never just get one. It wouldn't be very fair. As a starter try 2 or 3. In the summer a good hen can give you an egg every day. Imagine if you have 6 hens that's around 40 a week! The more hens you get the more space you will need. Chickens like space to forage around. Try to give tham as much outside space as possible about 10 square foot per bird is ideal.
Dust bath
You will need a dust bath to clean themselves with. A baby bath with dirt and sand in will do. Sometimes the chickens will create their own by picking grass away from your lawn. If that's not cool with you then best make them one.
Pecking Order
You may notice a bit of squabbling when you get your hens. This is unavoidable and part of chicken life. Ignore it unless you are worried about a particular chicken being denied food or water.
Care
You will need to let your chickens out every day and lock them up at night. They will put themselves to bed - you just have to shut the door.
You also need to make sure they have chicken feed and water. They will naturally forage for plants and pests. In one way they are a great pest control but mind they stay away from your veg patch.
You will need to clean out the coop once a week. The droppings will be great on your compost. Just be mindful they they are acidic so you may need to a dd a bit of lime to your compost to balance things out.
You will also need to make sure you check for eggs every day. If you're not quick the hen could become broody and try to hatch it. Watch out for this summer in particular. They won't lay when doing this and will not budge from their nesting box.
Clipping Wings
Chickens can fly a little especially the smaller breeds. If this is going to be a problem them you need to clip their primary feathers. Cut no more than 6cm. If you are unsure of how to do this then consult your Vet.
Moulting
Chickens will lose their feathers and grow new ones after about a year of age. Don't worry this is a normal occuarnce. This uses up a lot of energy so be sure to feed them well. It should tale about 6 weeks. You may see a drop off in egg laying during thsi time.
Cockerels
You DO NOT need a Cockerel to get eggs from a hen. You'll only need one if you are looking to make some babies. Cockerels are also good watch dogs and will protect the hens.
Hatching
Want to hatch some eggs? Check out our egg hatching page
