Hey.... Lets keep Chickens..!

Gigervamp

I've got a flower bed covered in slate chippings and my girls quite happily scratch about in it. It doesn't seem to hurt them at all.

looby-loo_2

Hi, I've just bought 6 hens. I've learnt a lot from reading this thread.
Could someone answer a question please?

When they go in their house and I shut them in do they need food and water inside the house?

Thank you

salthepal

No it shouldn't be necessary. However do let them out as early as possible in the morning and then allow them free drinking and eating.
Congratulations on your new hobby by the way. Enjoy it - and the eggs of course.

ginnyknit

I always leave them the water hopper in the coop at night just in case but don't think they bother to move from their beds till they hear me getting their breakfast. They have now developed what i can only describe as a murmurring sound when they are upto something naughty ie when they have opened the pen and are following me - they even look away when I shout at them as if its not them thats doing wrong!

WEEZE210_2

We spent yesterday putting a new roof on the avery in the garden. Its looking good, hopefully we'll be getting some chickens soon. Its 4m long by 1.20m wide and I can easily stand up in there, whats the maximum amount of chickens do you think I could comfortabley keep in there? They will be allowed in the garden when I'm at home though.

Weeze x

canspendnomore

I'e been considering chickens for a while, but I'm trying to think about it really carefully, because I don't want to get it wrong.

I would only want to keep free range chickens, but I'm not sure what the minimum space would be for that to be the case. I've got a small section of garden that they could have, and roam free at times in the garden, but want to be clear if the small space would be enough if they didn't get out to the garden much.

Also, I'd be keen to get ex battery hens, but is it not the case that they'd be passed their laying best? Or do they pick up again when they've got a decent place to live? How long could I expect them to lay for? Is there anything else I would need to consider if I were to get ex battery hens?

I do know someone that has hens himself, but I'm not sure how much he really knows or if he just makes it up as he goes along!

ljonski

You would be amazed how much space chickens need to feel comfortable and not get bored. They spend all day digging and scratching . Ii have 4 and thank goodness ;my neighbours let them roam in their jungle as well or i would be in big trouble to try and keep them happy.They will devestate everything and when the rains come everything turns to mud. if you only have a small garden, it may not even be big enough for 2 chooks.

canspendnomore

I do have a bigger garden, but as I have a 2 year old I don't necessarily want them in 'his' garden all the time. I've seen a coup and run which is supposed to house 4 or 5 chickens, but if I only had 2 or three, would they have enough room. I'm not saying I would never let them out, but I don't want to give them free run of the garden all the time either.

It's occured to me also, that ex battery hens might not be very friendly, which is very important because of my little one. Anyone have any thoughts?

ginnyknit

Weezl contact the BHWT - battery hen welfare trust - and give them the measurements they will tell you how many chooks it is suitable for!

They are friendly animals if you teach the child how to touch them, which is all part of growing up. When they peck its more of a nudge then a pinch, so they won't draw blood. I know a few of the girls on here who free range theirs have them on their shoulders while they walk round. I keep expecting mine to escape and walk in the house, make themselves very comfy in front of the fire and never leave:rotfl:

JayneC

Hi all,

I've just got 2 chicks (my first - I've been in contemplation for about 2 years!!!) and want to let them roam in the yard (I've kinda fenced off my veg patch). I thought they'd be fine as I have 6ft fence all round but the chicken lady(!) that I got them from said I need to clip their wings. I've searched the thread for some advice and know I need to be careful not to cut where their blood supply is but I'm not sure I've clipped enough as I was nervous of going too far!! It's quite difficult to tell where the blood supply is as they're quite young still and Now I'm worried they'll fly away. Can any one offer any reassurance or further advice please?

Jayne