MY REAL LIFE FEATHERY FRIENDS

Hen-keeping is an incredibly rewarding experience and ex-commercial hens are ideal for beginners. These hens make great pets, with fun and inquisitive personalities that will soon become part of your family. Here are some basic tips to get you started – Maybe if you have Hens, you can create a claymation animation about their adventures as I have done.

Choosing your coop
There are lots of coops to choose from but your girls will be happy as long as they have a safe, cosy and comfortable environment. Below are some things to consider to help you provide the best possible home for your girls:

• Keepers can buy a purpose-built hen house or convert an ordinary shed/outbuilding.
• Housing must be completely fox-proof and vermin-proof.
• We advise you buy a house which can accommodate more birds than you intend to get, so if you want three hens, buy a house that can accommodate at least four to give them plenty of space.
• A hen house needs a nest box facility and perching.
• Hens can be kept in a smaller house with a run or a larger aviary-type enclosure attached.
• Plastic coops can be easier to clean and may reduce the likelihood of red mites.
• To keep the ground dry put a layer of wood chippings around the hen house entrance.
• Position the hen house so that the hens have protection from prevailing winds and shelter from the sun.
• The more space and enrichment available to the hens, the happier they will be.

Cleaning out the coop

Minimal daily cleaning is required to ensure your girls stay happy and healthy. We recommend the following:

• Droppings and wet patches should be removed daily.
• A thorough clean should be carried out every two-four weeks depending on flock size.
• A thorough clean is also an opportunity to disinfect or treat for red mite.

Feeding

• The average adult hen needs 100-120g of feed per day.
• Fresh food should be provided daily to reduce the chances of it getting stale or damp.
• Control the amount of feed and tailor it to the number of hens in your flock.
• If hens are fed outside, use a sturdy feeder to prevent it being knocked over and clear up any spillage to avoid attracting vermin.

Treats

While it’s lovely to treat your hens, there are certain rules to be aware of:

• Hens thrive on a well-balanced diet and should only be given nutritional treats specifically designed for hens.
• Too many treats can disrupt egg production and affect shell quality.
• Hens can become overweight with too many treats.
• You can ration treats using treat dispensers

Routine
Hens need daily care and aren’t the kind of pet that can be left for a couple of days unattended. They like routine so keepers should establish this from day one.

• Stick to the same feed times and avoid sudden changes to their environment.
• Hens like staying out until late dusk so make sure you’re there to shut them in.

General health

Regular handling of hens means you’ll quickly pick up any health issues or abnormalities. Here are some points to be aware of:

• Routine worming should be carried out three or four times a year using a licensed product.
• Hens should be active and alert, not huddled with fluffed up feathers or eyes closed.
• Droppings should be firm and dark brown with a white urate cap.