HELP AND ADVICE

Bantams
Require 1 square foot each of inside space. Outside, they each require
6 square feet.


Egg Laying Hens
Require 1.5 square feet each of inside space. Outside, they each require
8 square feet.


Large Chickens
Require 2 square feet each inside space. Outside, they each require
10 square feet.

The numbers listed above are minimum requirements. More room undoubtedly benefits the hens.

They all require approximatly 6 to 10 inches of perch space per bird.

As all birds share the minimum number of nest boxes, you need one for every 4 females.

These are the size requirements for different chickens you need to consider when you construct a chicken coop. It's important that you provide at least this amount of space for their health and mental well being. Just like people, if they are crowded and they don't have enough space to at least be by themselves for a time, they can become stressed out and start acting aggressively. Remember that these are the bare minimums!

Chickens spend most of their time outside, either roaming free in the garden or in a purpose built run. The house is for sleeping, laying eggs, security from predators and a refuge in bad weather.

If left to roam the garden the hens will forage naturally for their food. They will eat grass and other green plants, worms, slugs and insects. They also need a supply of good quality chicken feed, especially if laying. This needs to contain a mixture of wheat, barley, oats, maize and soya. Free range chickens will pick up small stones for their gizzards, those in run will need a supply of grit.

Chickens will enjoy the enrichment of being given titbits such as fruit, vegetables, cooked pasta and rice. Experiment with kitchen scraps but avoid meat, fatty or salty foods and citrus fruits.

The chickens will wake at daylight and will be eager to get out and start feeding. When ready to lay they head back to the nestbox and after about 20 minutes there will be a fresh egg waiting for collection.

They will spend the day foraging and preening. During dry weather the chickens will enjoy a dust bath, this can be an area of soil in the garden or you can provide a container with sandy earth.

Chickens should have a supply of clean, fresh water. Extra attention needs to be given in particularly hot or cold weather.

For the feeder, plan to provide enough space for each bird to feed at the same time. So for the small ones, give them at least one inch each. For larger ones, give them at least 2 to 3 inches each. In a large chicken coop and run, you might want to include several feeders.

Towards dusk the chickens will go home to roost. When all are safe and secure shut the hatch to secure the hens for the evening.

A weekly removal of droppings under the perch is recommended with a full clean every three months to prevent parasites. A bedding of straw or dust free wood shavings is suitable but avoid hay that may develop mould.

CHICKEN BREEDS