Keeping Poultry in Your Garden

Poultry keeping has become a popular pastime in recent years. Whilst this is a rewarding hobby, it can be time consuming. The welfare of poultry comes within the framework of the five freedoms. These are:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain and injury and disease
4. Freedom to display normal behaviour
5. Freedom from fear and distress

• Are there any rules or restrictions to keeping poultry?
• If you intend to keep more than 50 chickens you must be registered on the British Poultry Register, which was set up by DEFRA in 2005.There are no national restrictions to prevent you from keeping poultry but it may be wise to consult with your local council in case of any local by-laws preventing anyone in your area from keeping livestock at their property. Also check any covenants attached to your property by viewing your property deeds. Similarly if you are renting your property it would be wise to check your tenancy terms and conditions. 
• How much space will be required?
• When you consider the minimal space battery hens live in you become aware of how little space they actually require. The minimum size of the run should be 6 x 3 ft for up to 4 hens but the more space you give them the happier they will be as they will be able to scratch and forage and exhibit natural behaviour. More space also makes your job easier as disease or injury is easier to spot and cannibalism should be reduced. Weaker birds will not then be deprived of feeding or perching space. Flooring should be raised and can be made from either solid platform or raised wooden flooring. The floor should be covered with dry material such as wood shavings or straw and should be changed when dirty.
• What materials will be needed?
• Timber should be substantial for the frame and then clad with tongue and groove or shiplap or good quality plyboard. The roof needs to be sloping to allow rain to run off. Wood can further be treated with a non toxic, pet-friendly preservative. To protect the timber further use corrugated clear plastic as it lets more light in, lasts indefinitely and dissuades parasites such as red mites who like dark places. Square mesh is best on windows and ventilation areas to make it predator proof.
• Will I need to construct perches?
• Chickens need perches to roost on at night; these should be lengths of wood about 3 to 5 centimetres wide with rounded edges. There should be enough perching space for all the chickens to roost at the same time (about 15 cm per chickens), and space enough between perches to let them get up and down without injury. Have various sized perches to allow for size of bird. It is also advisable to have some form of receptacle to catch faecal matter as poultry mainly excrete during sleep.
• What about nest boxes?
• Nest boxes should be located at the lowest, darkest part of the house, as hens like to lay in a secure secret place. Allow up to 12” per box or larger for communal nest boxes. The boxes should be draught free and lined with clean, dry, comfortable nesting material, such as straw or wood shaving.
• How should the outdoor space be arranged?
• If you have enough space the outdoor area can be divided up to allow poultry free space to roam on good foraging ground while other areas recover. There should be some form of shade such as trees or purpose built shelters and places to perch. These will provide protection from the sun, adverse weather and predators and give the chickens more of a stimulating environment. If food or water is placed outside means should be taken to keep it clean and dry and regular cleaning should to done so as not to attract rodents or wild birds. Predators can also be a problem so cover your run with mesh or netting.
• Do the chickens need to be able to dust bathe?
• Chickens like dry soil areas where they can dust bathe. This is an instinctive action and helps to get rid of external parasites. If a dry area is not available dust-bathing facilities must be provided. To construct your own dust box use a large shallow box without any sharp edges and fill with sand or dry earth. It must be kept dry, as it is useless when wet.
• What food and water is required?
• Chickens need clean water to be available at all times, drinkers should be clean and non tip and within easy access of reach for each bird, any stale or dirty water should be replaced and note taken that chicks have means of accessibility. Chickens like to scratch the ground to search for seeds, roots and insects. Additional feed, suitable for the age, sex and breed should be provided to give a balanced diet. Feeders should be placed conveniently within the outside pen and covered to protect from the rain, and should also be cleaned regularly. Chickens also need insoluble grit to aid digestion.
• What precautions should I take in the winter?
• In cold weather a number of sensible precautions must be taken so as no major draughts affect the coop with ventilation above head height, adequate waterproofing and any drips or leaks sealed. Although chickens hold body temperature well they will instinctively flock together for body heat and to feel safety.
• How can i tell if my chickens are healthy?
• Positive signs of health include bright eyes, red comb and wattle, dry nostrils, shiny feathers, consistent weight, be alert and active, scales on legs and feet smooth and not lifting and the vent area should be moist and white with no lumps, scabs or bleeding.