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Backyard chicken raising is a wonderful hobby.  The eggs will be fresh and taste delicious. If you intend to raise your hens as pets you will not think about having the occasional Sunday roast dinner courtesy of your feathered flock, but this is an option particularly for any surplus cockerels.

None of this can be done without looking after your hens properly. So here are the 10 vital steps for raising and keeping your poultry happily and in great condition.

Step 1, select the breed. It is very important to get the right birds for your particular location and circumstances.  Susceptible to hot or cold climates, boiler or layer, hobby or business – there are many aspects you need to consider carefully at the outset.  You can get good advice from your local hen supplier and from poultry farmers in your area.  

Step 2, choose the right number of birds. Chickens need space in which to forage, exercise and nest comfortably. At least 10 square feet per bird is a good rule of thumb.  This will govern the maximum number of chickens you should plan on getting, based on the available space you have. 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. Poultry needs daily care and attention for feeding, watering, coop cleaning and general maintenance of their living area such as inspection of perimeter fencing. Budget about 15 minutes per day, at the same time if possible – hens love routine.

Step 4, build accommodation.  Hens need somewhere to roost safely at night, with perches and nesting boxes. They should have a place to shelter from the sun and a source of fresh water. 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 protection. Safety from predators is paramount and there is a wide range of these including rodents, domestic animals such as dogs and cats, foxes, birds of prey, possibly snakes and other unwanted intruders.  Many of these are expert at getting through, under or over fences given time.  The chicken house must be properly secured and the fence around the hen run good enough to prevent your local predator types from getting through.  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. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Internet forums, local chicken farmers and vets are all useful sources – you will find the hen-keeping community very supportive.  

Step 7, identify applicable regulations.  You must comply with all national and local regulations relating to raising or keeping poultry, although often these are not too oppressive.  Seek help and advice from your local town hall or government offices.  

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

Step 10, consider the 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 will note that none of these vital steps is anything other than common sense.  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!

If you would like more information about how to build a chicken coop or where to get the best chicken house plans, please visit our website. Now go and enjoy those chickens!