10 Vital Steps For Keeping Free Range Hens

Backyard chicken raising is a wonderful hobby.  The eggs will be fresh and taste delicious. If you intend to raise your hens as pets you might not want to consider them as potential Sunday dinner, but this is an option particularly for any surplus cockerels.

But, whatever your plans or aims, you must raise and keep your chickens properly in order to achieve them. So here are the 10 vital steps for raising and keeping your poultry happily and in great condition.

Step 1, decide on the breed. You need to choose a breed that thrives in your particular area and suits your own requirements.  Tolerance to hot or cold weather, good layers or for the pot, good pets or backyard scratchers – these are just a few of the considerations when choosing your flock.  You can get good advice from your local hen supplier and from poultry farmers in your area.  

Step 2, choose the right number of birds. Hens must have enough room to forage and nest. 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. You need at least three chickens, to stop them feeling lonely.

Step 3, decide how much time you will have available. You will need to allocate a period each day for providing food and water, cleaning out the coop and other jobs such as inspection of perimeter fencing. Allow 10 or 15 minutes for a small flock, and expect them to follow you closely as you walk around their pen.

Step 4, build accommodation.  Your birds will need  safe places to roost and nest, particularly at night, and safety from predators. You should provide fresh water and shelter from hot sunshine. The chicken house should be easy to clean and allow egg collection without too much disturbance for the hens.

Step 5, provide protection. Safety from predators is super important, and these come in many forms including rats, dogs, raccoons, weasels, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, foxes, perhaps snakes.  Many of these are highly intelligent and very good at gaining access, especially over a period of time.  The chicken house must be properly secured and the fence around the hen run good enough to prevent your local predator types from getting through.  If there could be a threat from birds of prey you should provide a covering for the run as well – it also prevents the hens flying away!

Step 6, consider health hazards. Hens can get sick quite easily, so you should find out what diseases are likely in your neighborhood.  Internet forums, local chicken farmers and vets are all useful sources – you will get a lot of help from the chicken-keeping community.  

Step 7, identify applicable rules.  You must comply with all national and local regulations relating to raising or keeping poultry, although often these are not too oppressive.  Your local town hall or government offices should be able to give you all the guidance and information you need.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Hens need a diet of greens, grains, protein and fresh water. Protein is particularly important – talk to your local feed supplier for advice on this.  You might need to include protein supplements and grit in the hen food, but most likely free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. Your hens must have fresh, clean water all the time.  Consider fitting automatic water dispensers if you are planning to be away for even a day. Grains and greens are usually provided by foraging.  

Step 9, consider weather and climate.  Most chicken varieties are fairly tolerant of harsh climactic conditions, provided that you give them access to shade when the sun is overhead. They can take a surprising amount of cold but they need to keep their feet dry.  

Step 10, consider the local environment. Most often people like hens in their neighborhood, so you are unlikely to have any problems.  It is sensible to involve your neighbors, who may be concerned about noise (hens are quiet, cocks or roosters are not!) and mess (hens in small quantities are very clean).  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.  Following them should ensure that you have happy and healthy chickens in your backyard. One final thought – each happy hen should give you 6 fresh eggs each week throughout 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!