Guides for Raising Healthy Chickens Anywhere
While the joy of keeping chickens is universal, the rules and challenges can be very local. This category is your hub for region-specific guides, helping you navigate the unique aspects of keeping chickens in your part of the world. From local council laws and country-specific predators to the best breeds and feed for your climate, find the tailored advice you need right here.
So, you’re getting chickens! It’s one of the most exciting steps you can take towards a more sustainable life (and a supply of delicious, fresh eggs). But before you start choosing the best chicken breeds for small UK gardens, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the shopping list. What do you actually need to buy … Read more
When I brought home my first four chickens in 2023, I thought I’d budgeted perfectly. I’d set aside £800. By month three, I’d already spent nearly £1,200. I learned the hard way that the little costs—the ‘just-in-case’ mite powder, the sturdier feeder, the extra bedding—add up fast. So, how much does it cost to keep … Read more
Welcome to your complete guide to the “big three” traditional British chicken breeds. If you’re a UK backyard chicken keeper, or thinking about becoming one, you’re probably looking for birds that are hardy, friendly, and well-suited to our unique British weather. This is where our classic heritage breeds shine. We’re going to dive deep into … Read more
This guide provides general information about keeping backyard chickens in the UK. Always check current DEFRA regulations and consult a veterinarian for health concerns. “What is the best chicken for the garden?” It’s the first question every aspiring backyard poultry keeper asks. After keeping various breeds in my own small Yorkshire garden for over seven … Read more
Hello! Are you dreaming of collecting fresh eggs from your own garden? There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking out on a chilly morning to find a warm, freshly laid egg. Keeping chickens in the UK is a wonderful, rewarding hobby, and I’ve learned so much from my own little flock. It’s a … Read more
Buzzards, magpies, and crows all pose threats to UK backyard chickens, but each bird requires different protection strategies. Buzzards, magpies, and crows all pose threats to UK backyard chickens, but each bird requires different protection strategies. Buzzards can carry off small chickens, magpies attack chicks and steal eggs, while crows are opportunistic scavengers that rarely … Read more
Keeping chickens in the UK is brilliant, isn’t it? You get fresh eggs, funny little personalities to watch in the garden, and a bit of the good life. But let’s be honest: the Great British weather can be a total nightmare for coop management. If you’re a backyard chicken owner, especially in damp regions like … Read more
If you’re a backyard chicken keeper in the UK, you know the feeling. The Met Office’s 2025 winter forecast hints at another season of rain, and your first thought is, “the poor hens.” Winter in the UK often means less snow and more endless, seeping damp. It’s the rain in Manchester, the coastal drizzle in … Read more
(Disclaimer: I am a chicken keeper, not a vet. This guide is for informational purposes and is based on my own experience and research from UK poultry sources. Always consult a poultry vet for health diagnoses, especially before using prescription treatments like Exzolt.) Red mites. If you’re a UK backyard chicken keeper, just hearing those … Read more
If you’re a UK backyard chicken owner, you know the feeling. That endless drizzle starts, and before you know it, your lovely chicken run has turned into a muddy, gloopy mess. It’s a sight that makes your heart sink, leading to mucky feathers, dirty eggs, and real health woes for your flock like bumblefoot. Last … Read more