Chickens are super popular pets that can be kept in many household gardens or even allotment sites. Not only are chickens productive and provide eggs as a source of food, but their manure is also great to compost and add to your garden.

However, as with any pet, their care should not be underestimated and chicken owners should go above and beyond to ensure that the needs of their chickens are met. Let’s take a look at the best way to keep chickens enabling them to be happy, healthy and safe!

Table of contents

Breed of Chicken

There are some breeds of chicken that make the perfect beginner friendly pet, as well as producing a reliable amount of eggs.

Do bear in mind that there may be regulations in place forbidding owners to keep male chickens known as cockerels. Cockerels can sometimes be a little aggressive and dominant, as well as enjoying waking the whole neighbourhood up with their crowing at dawn. 

Unless you live remotely, it is better to avoid owning a cockerel.  

Australorp 

This breed has a fantastic personality as well as being docile and gentle, making it the perfect first time chicken for pet owners. They also handle cold weather very well and produce around 6 eggs per week.

Rhode Island Red 

You can’t get more chickeny than a Rhode Island Red! If you think of a chicken in your mind, you’re most likely thinking of this breed. They are hardy, friendly and tend to look after themselves relatively well. Owners are usually treated to 4 – 6 eggs per week from the hen.

Orpington 

Originating from England, the Orpington makes a fantastic breed for a first chicken. Not only are they reliable egg layers, but they are friendly, affectionate and calm.

The Chicken Coop

It is imperative that you offer enough space for your chickens. They do great when kept in groups, but beginners are best starting with 2 or 3 chickens. Offer as much space as you can provide for your chickens – bigger is always best! 

A chicken coop should be made up of 2 areas – one for resting/nesting and the other for exploring. Many owners let their chickens roam the garden, whereas others have an enclosed run for their chickens.

The department for the environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA) suggest that a measurement of 1 square foot per bird is required, although this is an absolute minimum and birds should be offered as much space as possible.

There are many different chicken coops that are available with varying designs, such as these from Chicken Coops Direct or these from Omlet (I really rate the Omlet ones – my hens love them! – Ed.)

Coop features

A main chicken house should be offered to your birds where they can shelter at night, as well as rest and lay their eggs. A coop should contain:

A roosting perch: 

Chickens actually sleep best in the air and off the ground, so they really enjoy a roosting perch to sit on. This also keeps them off the ground which can help to keep them warmer as well as keeping them out of dirty areas.

Nesting box: 

Nesting boxes should always be available for our feathered friends. As the name suggests, nesting boxes allow them to lay eggs easily. The boxes should be lined with bedding such as wood shavings and straw which should be changed regularly.

Ventilation: 

Air flow is essential to avoid the growth of bacteria, as well as helping to get rid of unwanted smells. Vents should be placed around the coop in order to promote air flow.

Litter tray/easy clean lino: 

Chickens pass faeces a lot, especially when they’re asleep on their perches. Placing litter trays under the perches or lino flooring can make cleaning up considerably easier.

Lighting: 

Chickens lay eggs depending on the seasons and light can play a huge part of this. Consider purchasing a coop that has windows to allow for plenty of natural light. Alternatively, place a warm light on a timer within the coop.

Chicken diet

Chickens need a good diet in order to stay happy and healthy, as well as being able to produce good quality eggs. You should look at purchasing a high quality chicken pellet mix and follow the manufacturer guidelines on daily feeding amounts. 

A complete chicken food should make up 90% of their daily diet, however fresh vegetables and dark leafy greens make great additives to their meals. Avoid feeding kitchen scraps to your chickens and certainly don’t offer them meat. 

Enclosure safety

Chickens have natural predators including foxes, badgers, rats and even some birds of prey. You should be extra vigilant if you live in or near the countryside, but even urban foxes will take a hen or four if they get the chance..

In order to keep your fabulous flock as safe as possible, a secure run attached to the coop would be ideal. This minimises the risk of predators being able to attack from above, such as birds of prey. It may also be worthwhile to bury metal mesh around the perimeter of the run to stop animals from being able to dig their way into the run.

The coop itself should be sturdy and secure. Ensure that there are no holes or gaps where rats could enter the coop.

Final thoughts on chickens

Chickens make fantastic pets to keep and can be really rewarding for families, especially those with small children. It is important that the care of chickens is not underestimated and chicken owners should do everything possible to make their lives as happy and healthy as possible. 
If you require chicken advice, reach out to your local veterinary practice or use our practice finder tool to locate a chicken vet in your area.

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