Keeping Chickens In Back Garden - Things To Consider - By: ArticleSubmit Auto

You may never have considered, but free range chickens will benefit you in many different ways. Animals that are allowed to roam free will produce much better eggs and contain much higher nutrients. And then there are the benefits such as pest control. No more worrying about using those harmful pesticides; you have chickens who will keep the bugs under control. They can also keep the ground more fertile, which is highly beneficial if you are considering gardening or even simply planting a flower garden. However, you will need to be mindful of a few things to maximize the benefits if you are considering keeping chickens in garden.

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. There is the option of choosing a moveable coop that can be moved around your land for fresh grazing. This keeps them contained and out of trouble while still allowing them to graze freely.

Having a home for your chickens also keeps them safe from predators. There is a wide variety of predators that love to prey on chicken eggs and chickens, from foxes and raccoons to hawks, weasels and rats. You will also need to be aware of cats and dogs, even if you live in a built up area.

The cats are known for stalking all types of birds, and while a dog may only attempt to play with your chickens, his play may get a little too rough. 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.

Your chickens should also 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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