Top 10 Tips for Keeping Backyard Chickens

The benefits of keeping backyard chickens are manifold. They provide a wonderful opportunity for children to spend time outdoors, away from iPads and iPhones, fostering family bonding and creating cherished memories. In addition to the joy of collecting fresh eggs, caring for chickens teaches children valuable lessons in responsibility. However, before you don your straw hat and embark on your journey as a backyard chicken farmer, careful planning and consideration are required. Here are our top 10 tips for keeping backyard chickens effectively.

1. Verify Local Regulations

Although most councils across Australia typically prohibit roosters in residential areas, the rules for hens are more lenient. Many local councils allow up to four or five hens, provided they do not disturb the neighbours' peace. To avoid any legal issues, it's crucial to contact your council for specific regulations. Rural areas tend to have fewer restrictions, but flock size may still be regulated, so it's important to do your research.

2. Choose the Right Coop

Once you've confirmed that you can keep chickens, selecting the right coop is crucial. Ensure the coop is spacious enough and consider incorporating a protective pen or chicken run to safeguard your chickens from predators such as dogs, foxes, and birds of prey. If building a pen isn't feasible, ensure the coop is secure enough to protect the chickens at night. Additionally, the coop should be easy to clean and maintain, with sufficient space for nesting boxes to prevent overcrowding and egg breakage.

3. Maximise Egg Production

Chickens generally start laying eggs at about six months of age. To maximise egg production, provide a high-quality pellet feed enriched with vitamins, minerals, and protein, such as Laucke Mills Showbird Breeder MP. Additionally, use a Dine A Chook Chicken Feeder to prevent feed waste and deter rodents. Supplementing their diet with Dine A Chook Dried Mealworms can also increase protein intake crucial for egg production. Ensure the chickens have access to sunlight, which is vital for vitamin D synthesis and egg production.

4. Start with Adult Hens

For beginners, it's advisable to start with adult hens rather than chicks, as they require less care and begin laying eggs sooner. Ensure all chickens are vaccinated against common diseases like Coccidiosis to maintain a healthy flock. If introducing new birds, quarantine them and treat with Amprolium 200 Coccidiostat to prevent disease spread.

5. Select the Appropriate Hen Breed

Not all chickens are the same; some are better for egg-laying, others for meat, and some breeds do not lay eggs at all. Research thoroughly to choose a breed that best suits your needs for egg production.

6. Train Your Chickens to Use Nesting Boxes

Chickens need to be taught where to lay their eggs. Too many nesting boxes can lead to chickens sleeping rather than laying in them. One box per four to five chickens is ideal. Regularly change the nesting material to keep the area clean and encourage the chickens to lay eggs in the designated spots.

7. Monitor Health and Isolate Sick Chickens

Always be vigilant for signs of illness, such as lethargy, feather loss, or changes in comb and wattle colour. Isolate sick chickens immediately to prevent the spread of diseases such as mites, coccidiosis, and Salmonella, and seek veterinary advice.

8. Provide Comfort in Extreme Weather

Chickens are sensitive to severe weather conditions. In cold climates, ensure the coop is well-insulated and raised off the ground to keep the chickens warm and prevent the water supply from freezing. In hot climates, provide ample shade and cool, fresh water to help the chickens regulate their body temperature effectively.

9. Secure the Chicken Pen

If you don't have a fence, a wire dog pen can serve as an effective chicken pen. Ensure it is tall enough to prevent dogs from entering and high enough to keep the chickens from escaping. Consider using Heavy Duty Bird Netting to provide additional security.

10. Invest in Quality Feeders and Drinkers

Not all chicken feeders and drinkers are created equal. Dine A Chook Chicken Feeders are designed to reduce waste and keep feed dry, even in heavy rain, thanks to their hood and gutter system. Our drinker systems, available with lubing cups or nipples, ensure that your chickens always have access to clean, fresh water.