6 tips to keep your chickens happy and healthy

If you would like a pet other than a dog or cat and have some suitable outdoor space, you might consider keeping a few chickens. Compared with other livestock, chickens are fairly low maintenance, and well-cared-for hens can be rewarding company as well as a source of fresh eggs.

As with any pet, do your research first, so you understand their diet, housing and care. These six tips will help you keep your flock healthy and happy.

1. Keep the coop clean

A clean coop helps prevent health problems. Clean out droppings and soiled bedding from the coop regularly, and do a full clean-out and check for red mite every few weeks. A simple weekly routine makes this easier to keep on top of.

2. Provide fresh water every day

Chicken drinkers are often large and can last several days between top-ups, which makes it easy to forget them. Stale or dirty water is bad for your hens. Empty, clean and refill the drinker at least every other day, and ideally every day, so your chickens always have clean water in a place they know.

3. Provide safe housing

Your chickens need housing that is fox-proof. Let your hens out into a secure, fox-proof run or supervised garden during the day, and shut them in the coop at dusk.

Giving them space to scratch, dust-bathe and explore, with a range of things to do, helps keep your flock healthy and happy.

4. Get to know your flock

Spend time with your chickens and learn their individual personalities. Knowing what is normal for each bird helps you notice when one is behaving differently. Keep an eye on their weight and appearance, and look out for anything unusual.

5. Understand their laying

Eggs are one of the main reasons people keep chickens, but not every hen lays, and the number of eggs varies a lot from bird to bird. It depends on age, health and living conditions.

Learn what is normal for each hen: how often she lays, where she lays, and whether she ever has problems. This helps you keep the eggs coming and spot problems early.

6. Do regular health checks

Like any animal, chickens should be checked over regularly for signs of a health problem. A quick check once a week can help you deal with problems early. Find a vet who treats poultry before you need one.

The law

In Great Britain you must register your chickens with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), even if you only keep a few. Follow any bird flu housing or biosecurity rules in your area, and don't feed kitchen scraps, which is illegal.

If you live in Northern Ireland, check the rules for poultry keepers with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).