Like many people, you probably love the idea of keeping free range poultry in your backyard or garden.  You will enjoy delicious, fresh eggs almost daily. If you want to keep the birds as pets (and many people do) 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 chickens properly. Here, briefly, are the most important steps you must take to keep your free range hens healthy, safe and content.

Step 1, [select|choose|decide on] the breed. It is very important to get the right birds for your particular location and circumstances.  Preference for warmer or cooler climes, egg-layer or dinner table, pet or farmyard bird – there are many things to consider before you get your hens.  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 must have enough room to forage and nest. Plan on about one square meter or 10 square feet for each hen.  Measure out the area in which you intend to keep the hens, to determine the maximum number you can keep comfortably. For social reasons (the chickens, not you!) three is considered the minimum number of hens for a flock.

Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. You will need to allocate a period daily for feeding, watering, coop cleaning and general maintenance of their living area 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. Buy or make a hen house that has good access for cleaning and collecting eggs without upsetting the birds too much.

Step 5, provide [security|protection]. Safety from predators is super important, and these come in many forms including rats, dogs, raccoons, weasels, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, foxes, perhaps 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.  The chicken run will need a top as well, if there are birds of prey around or the run is close to trees – to prevent your chickens taking flight!

Step 6, consider health [precautions|hazards]. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Talk to the vet, other chicken keepers and online forums – people involved with hens are all very helpful.  

Step 7, identify applicable [rules|regulations|laws].  You must know and comply with all applicable laws for keeping hens in your locality, although these are seldom very demanding.  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.  Hens need a diet of greens, grains, protein and fresh water. Protein is particularly important – talk to your local feed supplier for advice on this.  You might need to include protein supplements and grit in the hen food, but [usually|most likely] 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. Your hens will probably get all the rest of their diet requirements from foraging.  

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. They do need to keep their feet dry, however.  

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).  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!

Please visit us if you would like more information about keeping hens, such as how to build a chicken coop and where to get the best chicken house plans. Good luck and enjoy your chickens!

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