Chicken Coop Ideas For Keeping Free Range Hens

Backyard chicken raising is a wonderful hobby.  You will get a regular supply of fresh, tasty, free-range eggs. If you want to keep the chickens as pets (and many people do) you will not think about having the occasional Sunday roast dinner courtesy of your feathered flock, but it is something to at least consider as a good source of income perhaps.

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, select the breed. You need to choose a breed that thrives in your particular area and suits your own requirements.  Preference for warmer or cooler climes, egg-layer or dinner table, pet or farmyard bird – there are many aspects you need to consider carefully at the outset.  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. At least 10 square feet per bird is a good rule of thumb.  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. Poultry needs daily care and attention for providing food and water, cleaning out the coop and other jobs such as checking the security of perimeter fencing. Spend at least 15 minutes every day with your hens – they will love your company.

Step 4, build shelter and housing.  Hens need somewhere to roost safely at night, with perches and nesting boxes. They should have a place to shelter from the sun and a source of fresh water. A good chicken coop will have easy access for cleaning and a way to collect eggs without disturbing the hens too much.

Step 5, provide protection. Safety from predators is vital, and threats come from many creatures 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.  You need a secure hen house, at least, and should also consider providing a fenced run or pen with chicken wire sides buried to at least 12 inches.  The chicken run will need a top as well, if there are birds of prey around or the run is close to trees – to prevent your chickens taking flight!

Step 6, consider health hazards. Poultry can suffer from quite a few diseases, so do some research into the common ones in your area.  Try speaking to local chicken farmers and vets, as well as online forums – you will get a lot of help from the chicken-keeping community.  

Step 7, identify applicable rules.  You must know and comply with all applicable laws for keeping hens in your locality, although these are not usually very taxing.  Go to your local town hall, government offices or planning department for guidance.  

Step 8, provide a good diet.  Hens need a diet of greens, grains, protein and fresh water. Protein is especially important, and your local feed store will be able to advise you on a suitable source.  You might need to introduce protein supplements and grit into your hen food, but usually free range hens will get enough from their own foraging. There must be a constant supply of fresh, clean water.  Consider fitting automatic water dispensers if you are planning to be away for even a day. The rest of your hens’ diet should be met by foraging around their pen area.  

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 your local environment. Usually keeping chickens is viewed as a good thing, so you should not encounter significant problems here.  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).  Often the promise of fresh, free range eggs can work wonders!

You can see that these vital steps are neither difficult nor obscure.  Following them should ensure that you have happy and healthy chickens in your backyard. Oh, one more thing – a happy hen should lay 6 eggs a week during the spring and summer months!

If you would like more information about how to build a chicken coop or where to get the best chicken house plans, please visit our website. Good luck and enjoy your chickens!