Backyard chicken raising is a wonderful hobby.  The eggs will be fresh and taste delicious. 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 an attractive option for some poultry keepers.

You will not do any of this, however, without managing your chickens properly. Here, briefly, are the most important steps you must take to keep your free range hens healthy, safe and content.

Step 1, decide on the breed. It is very important to get the right birds for your particular location and circumstances.  Preference for warmer or cooler climes, egg-layer or dinner table, pet or farmyard bird – these are just a few of the aspects when choosing your flock.  Your local chicken supplier can advise, or other neighbors with hens of their own.  

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 hen.  This will govern the maximum number of chickens you should plan on getting, based on the available space you have. Three is considered the minimum, because hens like company.

Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. Your hens will need you to allocate daily periods for feeding, cleaning, watering and other tasks such as inspection of perimeter fencing. Spend at least 15 minutes each day with your hens – they will love your company.

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 paramount and there is a wide range of these including cats and dogs, rats, wild animals, birds of prey, even snakes.  Do not underestimate the ability of predators to gain access to your hens through or under fences over time.  The coop and hen run must be safe and secure from all such predators.  Look out for eagles and other big birds of prey, and put a suitable covering over the run if necessary – it will also stop your chickens flying up into nearby trees!

Step 6, consider health hazards. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Try speaking to local chicken farmers and vets, as well as online forums – people involved with hens are all very helpful.  

Step 7, identify applicable regulations.  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.  Hens need protein, grains, greens and water. Protein is particularly important – talk to your local feed supplier for advice on this.  Protein supplements and grit are sometimes needed, but usually 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. 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. They do need to keep their feet dry, however.  

Step 10, consider your local environment. Keeping chickens is usually regarded favorably by most people, so you should not face any problems here.  Perhaps talk to any neighbors who might have concerns about possible noise or smells, to reassure them.  You could suggest the occasional box of fresh, free range eggs to get their vote!

Actually most of these vital steps are common sense and are not difficult.  Follow them and you will enjoy happy, healthy chickens for years to come. Oh, one more thing – a happy hen should lay 6 eggs a week during 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 and enjoy your chickens!