The Escape to the Country Handbook by Jules Hudson

Author:Jules Hudson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pavilion Books

The real prize we all enjoy is the gift of fresh eggs every day.

Security Chickens are extremely vulnerable to predators. Dogs are an obvious problem, but the fox is undoubtedly the master. It is important to create a run for your chickens that is fox-proof, ideally a securely wired enclosure with the fence sunk 1ft below ground to stop the fox tunnelling underneath it, and high enough to stop him jumping over (about 6½ft). Many manage with less fortified areas, but having suffered the sad loss of our small flock to the fox I can only recommend taking as many precautions as you can.

Choosing the hen house Your hens will need a secure house in which to sleep and lay their eggs. They range in size and style from traditional triangular arks, to wheeled houses and modern plastic Eglus that are perfect for smaller gardens and yards. They are fun to design and build either from scratch or by repurposing an existing shelter, but should always be waterproof and windproof, be well ventilated and give you easy access to the nest boxes.

Location You will need to provide your chickens with shelter from the worst of the wind and rain and shade for hot summer days, so deciding where to put your chicken run is important; they can quickly turn into messy muddy areas, but they need not be banished out of sight if done with care and flair. I’ve seen good examples where the design, materials used and site have combined to make a chicken run that enhances a space, while the more room your chickens have the more content they will be. It’s also worth having your run close to a dry store of some sort, where you can keep their feed and the tools needed to muck them out.

Choosing your chickens There are a huge number of breeds to choose from, which will produce different sized and coloured eggs, but you should take advice on which will be the easiest for you to look after, depending on where in the country you are; some will favour warmer and drier climates than others. Increasingly, people are seeking out ex-battery hens, giving them a new free-range life. Roosters (cockerels) are not necessary for hens to lay eggs, but they do add colour and character, while their cry is the unmistakable soundtrack to country life. If you plan to have one, just check your neighbours won’t mind beforehand!

Buying your hens You should take great care in choosing your hens – know where they are coming from, and never buy them unseen if you don’t know the breeder. It’s very easy to buy diseased or sickly birds. Going to see where they are coming from will reassure you they are from a reputable source – one that will also be able to advise you going forward. Hens can live for up to 10 years, but the chances are you’ll be replacing them sooner than that.

Routine It’s important to establish a simple routine;

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