Chickens

Chicken equipment should match the size of your flock and the space you have. Plan the house, run, feeder and drinker together so every hen can roost, eat and drink without being pushed out by others.

How Much Space Do Chickens Need?

Hens need room in the house to roost and lay, plus a run where they can scratch and dust bathe during the day. Many small coops sold with a run only suit one or two birds unless the hens also free range or have a larger pen. Measure the garden before ordering a walk-in run, and allow space around it for the door.

Which Feeder Keeps Waste Down?

Treadle feeders open when a hen steps on the plate, which keeps rain and wild birds out of the feed. Hanging gravity feeders are simple and cheap, and a lid that doubles as a rain cover helps outdoors. Compare the stated capacity with how much your flock eats in a week.

What Size Drinker Should I Buy?

Choose a drinker that holds at least a full day of water for the flock, with some spare for hot weather. Nipple and cup drinkers keep water cleaner than open troughs, while a second small drinker helps when one hen guards the main water point. Tiny chicks need a shallow drinker they cannot fall into.

How Many Nest Boxes Do Hens Use?

A few hens will happily share one nest box, so most small flocks need fewer boxes than birds. Plastic nest boxes are easy to wash and help with mite control, and a box you can reach from outside makes egg collection quicker.

How Do I Protect a Flock From Foxes?

Check that the run has strong mesh, a secure door latch and a roof or cover. Close the pop hole at dusk, or fit an automatic door, and look at the base of the run for gaps where an animal could dig under.