Keeping chickens can be a worthwhile addition to your household, while keeping your family in fresh eggs. They will also fertilise your garden and eat your food scraps.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Generally, the most trouble-free chickens to purchase are vaccinated hens at the point of lay (16 to 18 weeks old).
It is always best to purchase your chickens from a reliable commercial supplier.
You need to accommodate your chickens in a well-drained and well-ventilated pen. Pens need to have a shelter for your chickens to roost and lay.
It is essential to make the pen safe from potential predators, such as foxes and dogs, so unless the sides are attached to a wooden or concrete floor, they should be dug into the soil at least half a metre.
It works well if the chicken pen is located under a tree for shade.
The shelter or shed should be north-facing with an eve about a metre long to protect from the summer sun but let the light in during winter.
Make sure the shelter is tall enough to stand up in, and the floor is covered with sawdust to form a deep litter with the chicken’s droppings.
Nesting boxes need to be located off the ground and be dark.
Straw must be changed on a regular basis.
Ideally, build the house with outside access to the nesting boxes.
Perches need to be wide enough for the chickens to comfortably stand on.
Pellets are a satisfactory food source but can be supplemented with food scraps.
Don't feed more scraps than the chickens can consume or else the leftovers will attract vermin and create odours.
A round feeder is good for the pecking order, as the weaker chicken can be on the other side of the circle and not beside the dominant chicken.
Provide enough pellets for no more than one week to prevent them from becoming stale.
Chickens also need permanent access to clean, fresh water.
For chickens that are not allowed to roam outside their pen or yard, you need to clip one wing, not both, to prevent them from flying.
Finally, monitor your chickens daily for their health, egg production, and food and water availability.
Also, check your local government requirements and regulations, as many have by-laws on flock size and housing.
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer or in NSW your Local Land Services.
Dr Jeff Cave is a district veterinary officer with Agriculture Victoria.
