It is becoming increasingly popular for people to keep chickens in their homes, and there are some fantastic benefits you can enjoy when you do so. There are many places you can get chickens from, and many birds are looking to be adopted, so you may want to look at the British Hen Welfare Trust website to see what is available. However, you will need t do some planning and preparation before you get your chickens to ensure you have everything you need to take excellent care of them. Below are some tips and advice to help you get started to ensure you are ready to care for your chickens when they arrive at your home.
Check You Are Allowed To Keep Chickens First
Before you start spending money to buy everything you need to keep chickens, you will need to ensure that you are allowed to keep them at your home first. Many people throughout the country keep chickens as pets and food, but even when you own your home, there can be laws preventing you from keeping them, depending on where you live. Check your local laws and property deeds, and if you rent your home, you may need to speak to your landlord.
Where Will They Stay?
You will need to have somewhere secure for your chickens to stay, and a wooden chicken ark is an excellent option. You will need to fence off an area of your garden to place the chicken ark and have a secure fence surrounding it. You will need to ensure the fence is secure and can prevent animals from attacking your chickens as many animals may harm them, including:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Foxes
- Badgers
- Ferrets
- Weasels
Animals may prey on the chickens, or they may try to get to them for their eggs, so you will need to do your best to try and keep them safe.
They Need Care & Attention Every Day
Looking after chickens can be relatively simple, but they will still need your attention every day, so they are a commitment, and you will need to put the effort in to care for them. You will need to check on them in the morning, let them out of the hen house, and ensure they have enough food. You will need to lock them in their hen house at night and help prevent any predators from getting to them. You will also need to check the henhouse for eggs which is one of the benefits of keeping chickens, and contrary to what many people think, you do not have to have a rooster for your chickens to lay eggs.
Feeding Your Chickens
Chickens can eat a wide variety of foods, and you will want to try and give them a healthy and varied diet. You can feed them berries, rice, pasta, oats, and a variety of fruit and vegetables, including:
- Vegetable Peel
- Apples
- Carrots
- Bok Choy
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
You can also buy pellets to feed them, which has everything they need to stay fit and healthy. With a bit of preparation, you will be ready for your chickens, and you can offer them a safe and secure home where they will be happy and thrive.