Keeping Hens - An easy guide

What do I need to keep hens? Dry secure housing is a must. We recommend sawdust or wood shavings for the floor and nest boxes. Straw is not really required unless of course you wish to spoil your birds a bit. A feeder and drinker are essential. Your birds should always have access to water although they will not eat or drink when it is dark so it can be removed at night. A layers pellet or mash from a local agricultural store is all that is necessary feed wise. Keep your egg shells once they start laying, dry them out and give them back to your hens crushed up. This is a cheaper way of giving them grit rather than buying oyster shells. We suggest treats like corn, grain, meal worms and bread are kept as treats and NOT a daily routine. Over weight birds will not lay as well and could end up with problems like prolapses. Left over vegetable and fruit is fine.

How noisy are hens? Hens are fairly quiet and can be kept in gardens in the towns and city. Obviously it’s not advisable to have a cockerel in a built up area or if you have neighbors near you, unless they have agreed to it.

How do I keep my hens safe from predator’s? It is crucial that you shut your hens in at dusk. You may not have foxes around but once you have hens there is a chance you will. Its not only foxes which have a taste for poultry but Pine Martins, Mink and sometimes Otters or Badgers depending on how hungry they are.

What is recommended for first time chickens? We would suggest any hybrid as a good first time bird. Not only do they lay lots of eggs, they come in a variety of breeds/colours and a very robust. Many people like to choose 2 or 3 different coloured chickens so that they can tell them apart and name them as they are family pets. Pure breeds do not lay as many eggs and a bit more expensive but also make excellent pets.

How many chickens should I get? This really depends on how much space you have and how many eggs you would like a week. You can expect a hybrid to lay approx 5-7 eggs per week. Usually family and friends are keen to take any surplus though! It is a good idea to have at least 2 birds for company.