How Much Does It Really Cost to Keep Chickens in the UK? (A 2025 First-Year Budget)

Happy brown chickens foraging in UK backyard garden with wooden coop showing typical setup for keeping chickens with cost breakdown overlay

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

A Complete Guide to Traditional British Chicken Breeds: Sussex, Dorking & Orpington for UK Backyards

Traditional British Chicken Breeds: Sussex, Dorking & Orpington Guide

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

What Is the Best Chicken for the Garden? 8 Perfect Breeds for Small UK Gardens (And Where to Buy Them)

Best Chickens for Small Gardens UK: 8 Perfect Breeds (2025)

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

Protecting Your Flock from UK Birds of Prey: Complete Guide to Magpies, Crows, and Buzzards

Protecting Your Flock from UK Birds of Prey: Magpies, Crows & Buzzards Guide

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

A Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Red Mites in a Wooden Coop in UK: Safe Treatments and Prevention for Backyard Chickens

Getting Rid of Red Mites in a Wooden Coop UK

(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