Keeping chickens is a rewarding hobby that provides fresh eggs, natural pest control, and plenty of entertainment – but it’s important to be prepared.
If you’ve ever imagined wandering into your garden to collect fresh eggs for breakfast, chickens might be just the companions you’re looking for! But keeping chickens isn’t just about the eggs – they’re lively, curious animals with their own personalities, and a happy flock starts with good planning.
Choosing your first flock
When you step into the world of chicken keeping, the first question is: what breeds should I get? The answer depends on what you want from your hens.
Imagine walking through our shop and spotting a line-up of friendly hens clucking and exploring. On one side, you might see Isa Browns or Leghorns, the egg-laying champions, ready to provide a steady stream of eggs almost daily. On the other, you’ll find Orpingtons or Sussex, larger, gentler breeds that lay well but are also perfect if you’d like a dual-purpose bird for eggs and occasional meat. And then there are the show-stopping, fluffy Silkies and Marans, which might not give you as many eggs but are delightful companions.
Tip: For a typical family wanting a steady supply of eggs, start with 4–6 hens. They’re social animals, so a flock of at least three is best for their wellbeing.
Adopting chickens
If you’re looking for a really rewarding way to start your flock, adopting rescue hens is a wonderful option. Many hens from commercial farms need loving homes once their egg production declines, and they can make surprisingly friendly and entertaining pets.
In Buckinghamshire, there are several organisations that specialise in rehoming these birds:
- British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) – Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes: Offers hens rescued from battery or barn systems. You can check their local adoption pages for availability and upcoming collection dates.
- Fresh Start for Hens: Focuses on rehoming ex-commercial laying hens and educating new owners on proper care.
Rescue hens often need a little time to settle into their new surroundings, but with proper care, they quickly regain their health and personality. Adopting hens not only gives them a second chance but also brings unique charm and character to your flock.
Tip: When adopting, it’s even more important to make sure your garden setup is ready – secure coop, safe run, and a plan for their diet and enrichment—so your new arrivals transition smoothly to their new home.
Planning your garden
One of the biggest concerns for first-time chicken keepers is: will they ruin my garden? Chickens love to scratch, dig, and explore, which is great for pest control but less ideal for flowerbeds.
Here’s how to keep the peace:
- Designate a run or enclosed area: This lets your hens forage safely without tearing up your borders.
- Portable pens: Also called “chicken tractors,” these allow chickens to roam and fertilise your lawn in a controlled way.
- Provide enrichment: Logs, dust baths, and things to peck at keep chickens entertained and reduce destructive behaviour.
With some thought and preparation, your chickens and your garden can coexist beautifully, promise!
Feeding your hens
Feeding might seem simple, but what you give your chickens will directly affect their health and egg production.
- Layer pellets or crumble: Provides essential protein and calcium for strong eggs – we stock these at our Pet Shop
- Kitchen scraps: Most vegetables and fruits are fine, but avoid anything toxic like chocolate, avocado, or raw potato.
- Calcium supplements: Crushed oyster shells or grit support eggshell strength.
- Fresh water: Always available, especially during warmer months.
Tip: Scattering a handful of scratch grains encourages natural foraging and keeps your hens active.
Protecting your flock
UK gardens have plenty of wildlife, and while foxes are the most infamous chicken predators, other animals like badgers, mink, and even neighbourhood dogs can pose a threat. A secure setup is key to keeping your hens safe.
Here’s how to protect your flock:
- Secure coop: Use solid doors with strong locks and cover any gaps with hardware cloth rather than chicken wire—hardware cloth is much tougher and prevents foxes from squeezing through or chewing their way in.
- Run fencing: Bury fencing at least 12 inches into the ground to stop foxes from digging underneath. Ensure vertical posts are strong and wire mesh is tight and durable.
- Nighttime safety: Lock hens in at dusk, when predators are most active. A secure, covered coop is essential to prevent nocturnal attacks.
- Motion-activated deterrents: Lights, alarms, or solar-powered sprinklers can help keep foxes and other predators at bay.
- Overhead protection: Birds of prey may target chickens, so consider netting or wire mesh above runs to provide extra security.
- Double layers: For extra protection, consider combining a secure coop, fenced run, and netted top – this layered approach significantly reduces the risk of attacks.
Tip: Regularly inspect your fencing and coop for weak points, especially after storms or high winds, as predators can take advantage of small gaps.
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