Like many people, you probably love the idea of keeping free range poultry in your backyard or garden.  The eggs will be fresh and taste delicious. If you want to keep the chickens as pets (and many people do) you will not think about having the occasional Sunday roast dinner courtesy of your feathered flock, but it is something to at least consider as a good source of income perhaps.

You will not do any of this, however, without managing your birds properly. So here are the 10 vital steps for raising and keeping your poultry happily and in great condition.

Step 1, decide on the breed. It is vital to choose the right breed for your area and requirements.  Tolerance to hot or cold weather, good layers or for the pot, good pets or backyard scratchers – there are many things to consider before you get your hens.  You can get good advice from your local hen supplier and from poultry farmers in your area.  

Step 2, select 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. 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. Your hens will need you to allocate daily periods for feeding, watering, coop cleaning and general maintenance of their living area such as inspection of perimeter fencing. Budget about 15 minutes each day, at the same time if possible – hens love routine.

Step 4, build shelter and housing.  Your birds will need  safe places to roost and nest, particularly at night, and safety from predators. They also must have a place to shelter from too much sun and they need a supply 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 protection. Safety from predators is super important, and these come in many forms including rodents, domestic animals such as dogs and cats, foxes, birds of prey, possibly snakes and other unwanted intruders.  Do not underestimate the ability of predators to gain access to your hens through or under fences over time.  You need a secure hen house, at least, and should also consider providing a fenced run or pen with chicken wire sides buried to at least 12 inches.  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 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 laws.  Be sure to identify and follow all relevant rules and regulations about hen keeping in your area, although these are not usually very taxing.  Go to your local town hall, government offices or planning department for guidance.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Hens need protein, grains, greens and 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 free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. There must be a constant supply of fresh, clean water.  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.  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 local environment. Usually keeping chickens is viewed as a good thing, so you should not encounter significant problems here.  You might need to reassure some of your neighbors about possible noise and smells, to get their support.  They might like the thought of a supply of free range eggs on their doorstep!

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. Oh, one more thing – a happy hen should lay 6 eggs a week during the spring and summer months!

We have a great deal of information about how to build a chicken coop and where to get the best chicken house plans on our website. Now go and enjoy those chickens!