Backyard chicken raising is a wonderful hobby.  You will enjoy delicious, fresh eggs on a daily basis. If you want to keep the hens as pets (and many people do) you might not want to consider them as potential Sunday dinner, but it is something to at least consider as a good source of income perhaps.

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 weather, good layers or for the pot, good pets or backyard scratchers – there are many aspects you need to consider carefully at the outset.  You will find local chicken farmers and suppliers very helpful.  

Step 2, [decide on|select|choose] the right number of birds. Your hens will need sufficient room to exercise, forage 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].  Poultry must have places to roost, nest and forage safely. You should provide fresh water and shelter from hot sunshine. A good chicken coop will have easy access for cleaning and a way to collect eggs without disturbing the hens too much.

Step 5, provide [security|protection]. Safety from predators is paramount and there is a wide range of these including rats, dogs, raccoons, weasels, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, foxes, perhaps snakes.  Many of these are highly intelligent and very good at gaining access, especially over a period of time.  The coop and hen run must be safe and secure from all such predators.  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]. There are quite a few diseases that can affect hens, and you need to check out those that are common in your locality.  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 know and comply with all applicable laws for keeping hens in your locality, although these are not usually very taxing.  Seek help and advice from your local town hall or government offices.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Poultry must have access to a mixed diet of proteins, greens and grain, as well as fresh water. Protein is especially important, and your local feed store will be able to advise you on a suitable source.  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.  If you are away during the day or on vacation, you should investigate automatic water dispensers for your hens. Grains and greens are usually provided by foraging.  

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. Keeping chickens is usually regarded favorably by most people, so you should not face any problems here.  You might need to reassure some of your neighbors about possible noise and smells, to get their support.  You could suggest the occasional box of fresh, free range eggs to get their vote!

You can see that these vital steps are neither difficult nor obscure.  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!

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 with your birds – we know you will enjoy them!