Caring for your Chickens
Keeping chickens not only is a great hobby but has the added bonus of a supply of fresh eggs. Once you have eaten a "proper" free range egg you will be forever converted! Chickens are an low-maintenance pet and don't require too much looking after. All they require is a somewhere safe to sleep, clean water and food and in return they will supply you with beautiful eggs.
If you are interested in learning more about keeping and caring for chickens please take a look at my Guide To Keeping Chickens - this 78 page guide will start you on your way and is available on CD or as a pdf file via email for just £4.99.
Housing
Housing need not be expensive and an enthusiastic diyer may be able to produce a beautiful hen house from a couple of old pallets! For those of you not so adept with a hammer and saw we offer a range of housing and runs to suit most budgets. For those of you who would like to have a go at building your own we are happy to offer advice we use of range of different styles ourselves that may provide inspiration.
Food and Water
Your chickens will need a constant supply of fresh clean water, there is a range of drinkers available or you can use any suitable container you might already have - the most important point to remember whatever you use is to keep it clean.
Chickens can be fed on pellets or mash which is readily available from pet shops and country stores. We also give our chickens scraps including cabbage leaves, stale bread and a whole range of leftovers (this must not include any meat products). In the afternoons I like to scatter some corn and let them forage. It is also essential to let your chickens have access to grit either in with their food or separately to ensure that their eggs have hard shells. Most free range chickens will find enough grit in their surroundings but if you notice that the shells of their eggs are becoming thin then add some grit to their diet it is available from pet shops and country stores.
Health
Chickens occasional get ill and most of the time this won't be anything more serious than a runny nose or a spot of diarrhoea. As a general rule, keep the house clean, ensure a fresh supply of water and a proper balanced diet and you should have no problems!