Why should I keep chickens/ Bantams?
There are many reasons why someone would like to keep chickens or bantams. You may dream of those great tasting "natural" eggs, or you may belong to the group that I belong - those who just enjoy having beautifully colored tame animals around. Another reason is that chickens are a lot of fun. They are friendly birds, undemanding and easy to keep. Spend some time with them each day, and they will soon learn to accept you, will come to you when called and let you pick them up and pet them.
There are many reasons why someone would like to keep chickens or bantams. You may dream of those great tasting "natural" eggs, or you may belong to the group that I belong - those who just enjoy having beautifully colored tame animals around. Another reason is that chickens are a lot of fun. They are friendly birds, undemanding and easy to keep. Spend some time with them each day, and they will soon learn to accept you, will come to you when called and let you pick them up and pet them.
What sort should I keep?
There are over 75 breeds of chickens and bantams in a wide variety of colours, appearances and sizes. Some will lay more eggs, some will have better temperaments, some will be more weather resistant and of course the bigger the chicken or bantam the bigger the eggs produced (cockerels excepted).
Unless you are going to show or breed your birds just go for a selection of suitable hens that you like the look of and they should all get on just fine.
There are over 75 breeds of chickens and bantams in a wide variety of colours, appearances and sizes. Some will lay more eggs, some will have better temperaments, some will be more weather resistant and of course the bigger the chicken or bantam the bigger the eggs produced (cockerels excepted).
Unless you are going to show or breed your birds just go for a selection of suitable hens that you like the look of and they should all get on just fine.
Is my garden big enough?
All you need is enough space for an ark - If you haven't got that then forget it. Chickens restricted to a moveable ark are perfectly content, you always know where they are, their food is not eaten by wild birds and they are safe from predators. Keeping the ark on the lawn is not a problem if you move it regularly as the scratching they do and the droppings left behind will do it good.
Of course you can give them full access to your garden but there is really no need. Most chickens are not agile and are unable to fly far and will be happy to wander around the garden quite contentedly however they may damage plants and leave dropping where you don't need them.
Do not forget that cockerels will crow in the mornings. Females however make very little noise and produce all the eggs. Unless you want to become a breeder the choice is simple.
All you need is enough space for an ark - If you haven't got that then forget it. Chickens restricted to a moveable ark are perfectly content, you always know where they are, their food is not eaten by wild birds and they are safe from predators. Keeping the ark on the lawn is not a problem if you move it regularly as the scratching they do and the droppings left behind will do it good.
Of course you can give them full access to your garden but there is really no need. Most chickens are not agile and are unable to fly far and will be happy to wander around the garden quite contentedly however they may damage plants and leave dropping where you don't need them.
Do not forget that cockerels will crow in the mornings. Females however make very little noise and produce all the eggs. Unless you want to become a breeder the choice is simple.
What should I keep them in?
Chickens need shelter from the weather, a light airy run during the day, an enclosed roost at night and protection from various predators at all times. You need perches for roosting, nest boxes for laying and ventilation for a healthy climate. Obviously we would recommend that you purchase one of our arks to provide all these essential ingredients!
Chickens need shelter from the weather, a light airy run during the day, an enclosed roost at night and protection from various predators at all times. You need perches for roosting, nest boxes for laying and ventilation for a healthy climate. Obviously we would recommend that you purchase one of our arks to provide all these essential ingredients!
What are the cleaning requirements?
On the roost floor the most suitable material to absorb moisture and droppings is wood shavings although hay or straw can also be used. The easiest thing to do is line below the roost with a piece of old cardboard. Ideally, droppings should be removed every day but not less that every 2-3 days, at the same time the perches should get a quick moist wiping off.
Once you have established this routine, you will understand that it is better than cleaning a heavily soiled ark every week. The major cleaning is done twice annually. All the litter must be removed and the accessories such as drinkers and feeders should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with hot soapy water and dried thoroughly. Only use a safe non-toxic disinfectant containing an anti-parasitic medication. Use it on all surfaces after they have been washed.
The water container should be cleaned daily to eliminate bacteria. Stale water is not good for them and if it is left in direct sunlight, can form algae. Algae poisoning is common in poorly managed conditions. Lack of fresh water can cause death, primarily from salt poisoning.
On the roost floor the most suitable material to absorb moisture and droppings is wood shavings although hay or straw can also be used. The easiest thing to do is line below the roost with a piece of old cardboard. Ideally, droppings should be removed every day but not less that every 2-3 days, at the same time the perches should get a quick moist wiping off.
Once you have established this routine, you will understand that it is better than cleaning a heavily soiled ark every week. The major cleaning is done twice annually. All the litter must be removed and the accessories such as drinkers and feeders should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with hot soapy water and dried thoroughly. Only use a safe non-toxic disinfectant containing an anti-parasitic medication. Use it on all surfaces after they have been washed.
The water container should be cleaned daily to eliminate bacteria. Stale water is not good for them and if it is left in direct sunlight, can form algae. Algae poisoning is common in poorly managed conditions. Lack of fresh water can cause death, primarily from salt poisoning.
What do I feed my chickens?
The most important of all the needs of birds is fresh water daily. Feed must contain the proper amount of protein for the needs of the particular type of chicken and it's age. Commercial feeds are formulated to meet those needs.
"Scratch Feed" is used by many as a way to reduce costs, but, egg production drops and the hens are not in prime condition when this is done. We also like to give our chickens lots of greens in their diet as are nutritious and adds colour to the yolks of their eggs.
The chickens need some variety in their lives just as people do, to avoid boredom. Chickens that are confined to the same location each day start bad habits to overcome their boredom. Overcrowding is another reason for bad habits. We have designed the arks so they can be easily moved to help eliminate these problems and to give them access to fresh ground as needed.
The most important of all the needs of birds is fresh water daily. Feed must contain the proper amount of protein for the needs of the particular type of chicken and it's age. Commercial feeds are formulated to meet those needs.
"Scratch Feed" is used by many as a way to reduce costs, but, egg production drops and the hens are not in prime condition when this is done. We also like to give our chickens lots of greens in their diet as are nutritious and adds colour to the yolks of their eggs.
The chickens need some variety in their lives just as people do, to avoid boredom. Chickens that are confined to the same location each day start bad habits to overcome their boredom. Overcrowding is another reason for bad habits. We have designed the arks so they can be easily moved to help eliminate these problems and to give them access to fresh ground as needed.
What about chicken health?
In general, you can be confident that breeders as well as private owners of fancy chickens, bantams and hens have and offer healthy animals for sale. However here is a list of signs of good health to watch out for in your birds:
* Smooth, shiny and full of plumage
* Intensely coloured red comb and wattles
* Alert and shiny eyes
* Relatively firm and well formed droppings
* Free from parasites like mites, fleas or ticks.
* Busily picking and scratching for food and actively dusting and preening plumage.
* Active and curious, yet they do not get flustered when they are handled
You can get entire books on this subject however a few simple rules should suffice. Firstly by maintaining a good environment and a balanced diet your chickens should remain in good health. Chickens that are in contact with the ground are susceptible to parasitic worms, and if they show signs of this should be treated with a wormer. Mites and lice can also be treated easily. For any other problems get professional advice - after all you would do this for a pet cat or dog so why not your birds.
In general, you can be confident that breeders as well as private owners of fancy chickens, bantams and hens have and offer healthy animals for sale. However here is a list of signs of good health to watch out for in your birds:
* Smooth, shiny and full of plumage
* Intensely coloured red comb and wattles
* Alert and shiny eyes
* Relatively firm and well formed droppings
* Free from parasites like mites, fleas or ticks.
* Busily picking and scratching for food and actively dusting and preening plumage.
* Active and curious, yet they do not get flustered when they are handled
You can get entire books on this subject however a few simple rules should suffice. Firstly by maintaining a good environment and a balanced diet your chickens should remain in good health. Chickens that are in contact with the ground are susceptible to parasitic worms, and if they show signs of this should be treated with a wormer. Mites and lice can also be treated easily. For any other problems get professional advice - after all you would do this for a pet cat or dog so why not your birds.
If you are new to poultry keeping here are answers to some frequently asked questions :
Why should I keep chickens or bantams ?
What sort should I keep ?
Is my garden big enough ?
What should I keep them in ?
What are the cleaning requirements ?
What do I feed my chickens ?
What about chicken health ?
Why should I keep chickens or bantams ?
What sort should I keep ?
Is my garden big enough ?
What should I keep them in ?
What are the cleaning requirements ?
What do I feed my chickens ?
What about chicken health ?
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Basic Poultry Keeping Information
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