Message Board - Health & Safety: Keeping chickens in the garden

Hiya, I fancy keeping some chickens in my garden, as I think it would be great for the kids and a way to get fresh eggs. can anyone tell me if chickens are easy to keep, and if you have to take any special precautions with my ornamental plants like.

I've got a bit of space, but is there a minimum size garden you av to have?

Thanks as always everyone, I hope your gardens are going great.

Liz

My old folks used to have chickens when I was a nipper. They kept them is a run at the bottom of the garden, that way they didn't wander about the place and chew all of ma's flowers. So that would be my advice, stick'em in a run which has chicken wire netting. The height depends on whether or not you will put wire over the top to stop the birds flying out, or if you want to walk around in the run itself. Six foot high sides would be sufficient without the need for a cover over the top.

You could get away with a three foot high pen if you cover the top with wire, but it makes it a bit more awkward to get in and clean out the chickens mess, or collect any eggs. Having said that, if you have the right hutch, you can get to the eggs by opening an access panel on the outside. Fresh eggs, lovely-jubbly.

Keeping foxes out is another consideration when making your chickens run. However if your neighbours aren't too close it is nice to let your chickens be free range and have the run of the garden. Any damage to your plants by the chickens will depend on how many chickens you have mostly.