What You Should Know About Keeping Chickens In The Back Garden

You may never have considered, but free range chickens will benefit you in many different ways. Everyone knows that the eggs laid by these animals that are allowed to graze freely are much higher in nutrition. You will also benefit from natural pest control of your land. No more worrying about using those harmful pesticides; you have chickens who will keep the bugs under control. Chickens will also help if you are considering gardening or the planting of flowers on your land, as they will keep the ground fertilized. However, if you are considering Keeping chickens in back garden, you will find that this is a highly beneficial and gratifying choice if you keep a few things in mind while doing so.

Having an area built specifically for your chickens is still recommended. There will be some that want their chickens to roam all over the back garden or yard and graze freely, but most will still want some kind of shelter for protection during the night. Some choose coops that are easily moved so that the chickens can have a new fresh location each day on which to graze and scratch. This option will allow your chickens to graze freely, but also keep them contained at the same time.

Having a home for your chickens also keeps them safe from predators. There are many animals which love to prey on chickens and chicken eggs, from hawks to weasels, raccoons, foxes, and rats. Even if you live in a more populated area, you will have to beware of local dogs and cats.

Dogs are more likely to just play with your chickens, but the playing can get a bit rough and cause fatalities, however a cat will chase all types of birds with only one intension. For these reasons, it is highly recommended to contain and house your birds appropriately.

Even though you are allowing your pets at least partial free range of your back garden, you will still need to feed them and provide water daily. Most will recommend twice daily feedings, and unless you have a water source running through your property, you will need to keep a fresh supply of water for them.

In most cases a hen will lay eggs frequently, so you can expect about one egg a day from each hen. Providing a chicken house will give your chickens a safe and dry place to nest. You will be able to collect your fresh eggs every moring in the knowledge that your chickens have laid them in the comfort a peace of and warm chicken house.

You should also make sure that your pets have an area where they have access to dirt. You see, they love to scratch in the dirt, and often, chickens spend a great part of every day dusting themselves, which also will keep them free from mites and other undesirable pests.

Chickens do require a fair amount of care, just as does every animal. By Keeping chickens in back garden you can educate your children about responsibility and also provide them with the knowledge of providing their own foods. Keep your pets happy and healthy and you will have a constant supply of eggs that will keep you happy, too.

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