It’s lovely having pet rabbits. And you will want to do what you can to make sure they are as comfortable as possible living in your household as part of the family. The hutch is where the bunny will be spending a lot of time so you must choose one that suits your rabbit well. So without further ado, let us look at some tips for choosing the perfect hutch.
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For most people, chickens are divided into a few camps; fried, roasted or nuggets, but we’re more interested in them pre-dinner. As we become more aware of where our food comes from, how it’s sourced and, more importantly, the way it’s reared, keeping chickens at home, either as pets or a source of eggs and meat is increasingly popular.
If it’s something you’re interested in, we wanted to produce a quick guide for everything you need to know about chickens; what breeds might suit you best and how to look after them to give both of you the best chance of success.
Chickens are generally thought about as a food source, but as pets, chickens are really interesting birds. Not only will they keep you stocked up on eggs, but they have around 24 different vocalisations for specific purposes. Especially useful if you’re interested in learning to speak ‘poultry’.
The first thing to ask yourself if you’re considering owning chickens is what you want them for. Different breeds are better at certain ‘tasks’. For example, if you want them as egg-laying machines, then obviously you should go for a breed that is known for that. Contrary to popular opinion, there aren’t any breeds of chicken that lay eggs every single day. Similarly, if you want them as pets (because you can) then breeds with gentle temperaments who are generally low-maintenance are the ones to go for.
Believe it or not, there are over 90 different breeds of chickens in the UK, so when you come to choosing the right one for your garden, you’ll have a wealth of choices. Breeds like the Rhode Island Red, Leghorn or the Sussex are good if you’re looking for chickens that are more-suited to egg-laying. Also, if you’re looking for more unusual eggs, the Ameraucana lays eggs that come in a variety of colours.
If you’re wanting them more for pets than food, the Ameraucana (again), Buff Orpington or Australorp have docile natures and are easy to handle. The breed that suits you is also going to depend on the space you have available. If you have a large space and will be letting them roam freely, the Plymouth Rock is a good choice.
Once you’ve got your chickens, or at least, just before you get them, you are obviously going to need somewhere for them to live. Finding the right coop and food is just as important as the type of chickens you get.
The size of chicken coop you get is obviously going to be linked to the number of chickens you want. It’s also going to be relevant to the space your garden has and your own personal style. There are some important things to think about when choosing the perfect coop.
Security is going to be an important factor. With the increase in urban foxes, keeping your chickens safe and secure shouldn’t be underestimated. As well as foxes, coops should be ‘rodent’ proof. Rats, in particular, can spread disease within flocks and even steal eggs. The coops should also be well insulated, so they’re warm inside, even in the depths of winter. As important as it is to keep the coops warm, they also need to be ventilated to allow air to circulate in the summer.
To ensure you keep happy chickens, the internals of the coop should include nesting areas so they can lie down to lay their eggs and roosting bars for when they sleep. The bars should be separate to their nesting areas and thick enough so they can grip them comfortably. You’ll need 1 nesting box for every 4 chickens you have.
Chickens kept at home is an increasingly popular way to buy into the green revolution. Not only can you have a ready supply of eggs, chickens can be a fun way to engage with the whole family and for them to understand where food comes from and how we help sustain the environment.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you get ready for keeping chickens, please give us a call today on 0845 873 0253 or head over to our contact page for more information.
Ok – so the time has come to set up a coop for your chickens and hens. But what should you be looking for? Do you already have a coop set up for your existing flock of fowl? Or, are you buying into a coop for the very first time? Regardless of the approach, it’s crucial to look for a coop design that’s not only comfortable for your chickens but which is practical for your needs, too.
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There are a lot of great reasons why you should raise backyard chickens. Not only will you get a constant source of fresh eggs that you can eat or also sell if you choose but they’re also great for kids, teaching them about different animals. Not to mention the current difficulties of getting eggs!
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As a new season begins, in this case spring, some of you may be wondering about any precautions that you should take for your chickens. After all, the new season brings new factors, such as a change in weather. Although spring is not usually a season full of weather extremes, not too hot or too cold. There are still some issues that spring can bring up, which we will be exploring in this blog: Continue reading
As a nation of animal lovers, we have been keeping our favourite dogs, cats, pigs, and even goats as pets for between 9,000 and 15,000 years. Domesticating these once wild animals into our daily lives has given us centuries of pleasure. Rabbits though were a little more stubborn. We have had these balls of fluff as pets for 'only’ 1400 years.
Keeping chickens is so satisfying, not only because of what they offer in return, but also because chickens make great pets, and keeping them can seriously calm your mind. For this reason, you should do your best to keep your feathered babies as happy as they can possibly be.
If you own a flock of chicken, you already know how exciting it is to witness their growth and development. Nothing breaks your heart like losing chickens to predators, especially when you’ve done so much to raise them from a young age.
All in all, visits from intruders are inevitable and all you can do is put the right measures in place. The fear of intruders attacking your flock should not hold you back. It is possible to raise chickens safely, here are some tips that you will find useful.
There are many reasons why you may decide to rear chickens. Chickens are not difficult to care for, and they can provide you with fresh eggs. However, to be prepared to care for and provide for your chickens, you must buy a house for them. Chicken coops are essential for anyone with chickens. Chicken houses offer protection and security to your animals while providing them with a place to rest as well.
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Winter can be a particularly scary time for chicken owners especially when it’s your first time. Winter is such a long period, and you will find yourself constantly wondering whether or not your chickens are warm enough. However, there are a few tips that you could use to care for your chickens even during the coldest of times. This chicken guide will help you and your chicken survive the winter period both healthy and happy.
