10 tips on keeping chickens - and why they're not just for Christmas

Tom Wright

29 November 2012

Have you ever thought about keeping chickens? I admit that until a few months ago I hadn't. Not for a second.

But then my son's nursery took part in a hatching project which ended with the parents being offered 2-week-old chicks.

I figured I'd learn on the job and took 3 home. It's been so much fun - so I thought I'd put together my 10 top tips for keeping backyard chickens.

Get a good book - there's lots of advice out there online and in print. Make sure to read up on the basics before taking the plunge.
Don't go it alone - chickens are sociable creatures with lots of personality. So don't just keep one.
Short on space - if you don't have a lot of space then look at a combined run and house. We picked up a second-hand Eglu - ideal for our small garden.
Healthy = happy - chickens are prone to diseases and pests. Keep their living space clean and treat them regularly for mites and lice.
Go organic - you can buy organic feed quite easily. Then just keep an eye on what kitchen scraps you feed them.
Share your eggs - we swapped eggs for homegrown vegetables from our neighbours and gave eggs to friends.
Start them young - rearing from chicks can be incredibly rewarding but prepare for lots of feathers and mess.
Fertile ground - chickens go to the toilet a lot. But their droppings make an excellent addition to your compost or as a fertiliser.
Night-time security - make sure your birds are properly locked up by dusk or Mr and Mrs Fox will pay them a visit.
Set up a retirement home - thousands of ex-battery chickens are saved from slaughter every year. Talk to the British Hen Welfare Trust to find out more.

Keeping chickens has been such a rewarding experience. It's not just the daily supply of fresh eggs - they're full of personality too.

Unfortunately a few weeks ago I broke Rule 9 with disastrous results. My garden now feels very empty and I miss the sound of scratching at the back door.

So I'll quickly be moving onto Rule 10 and re-homing 3 birds as soon as I can.

Tom Wright, Activism team

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