Like many people, you probably love the idea of keeping free range poultry in your backyard or garden.  You can get a constant supply of fresh, tasty, free-range eggs. If your aim is to have these birds as pets (like many people) 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, choose the breed. It is very important to get the right birds for your particular location and circumstances.  Susceptible to hot or cold weather, boiler or layer, hobby or business – these are just a few of the considerations when choosing your flock.  You will find local chicken farmers and suppliers very helpful.  

Step 2, decide on 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 bird.  This will govern the maximum number of chickens you should plan on getting, based on the available space you have. 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 each day for feeding, cleaning, watering and other tasks such as checking the security 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 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 security. Safety from predators is vital, and threats come from many creatures 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 chicken house must be properly secured and the fence around the hen run good enough to prevent your local predator types from getting through.  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 hazards. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Speak to the vet, other chicken keepers and online forums – you will find the hen-keeping community very supportive.  

Step 7, identify applicable 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. A good protein diet is important, and your local feed store will be able to advise on this.  You might need to introduce protein supplements and grit into your hen food, but usually free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. There must be a constant supply of fresh, clean water.  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.  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 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.  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.  Follow them and you will enjoy happy, healthy chickens for years to come. One final thought – each happy hen should give you 6 fresh eggs each week throughout 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!