The Henkeeping Specialist. David Squire

      Keeping chickens on your land or allotment is surprisingly straightforward:

       First, check with the deeds of your property to ensure that you are legally able to keep chickens.

       Provided you have fewer than 50 chickens, there is no need to register them with any authority. Keeping more than 50 chickens is considered to be a commercial venture and must be registered with the authorities in your country.

       Consult with your local authority to check if there is a bye-law preventing anyone in your area from keeping chickens on their own property.

       Talk with your neighbours to see if they are in agreement with you keeping chickens; this is mainly a matter of getting their goodwill and to prevent disagreements arising later. Inviting them around to inspect your chickens and their housing usually settles any problems – especially if they are offered a few eggs!

      CHICKEN CHECKLIST CONTINUED

       Chickens are gregarious and therefore at their most contented when kept in small groups.

       Chickens and household pets

      Initially, cats and dogs will find chickens interesting, examining them as ‘new boys on the block’, but usually they soon lose interest. However, they need to be closely watched to check that they are not harming each other – much depends on the temperament of the dog or cat.

      Chickens kept in wire-netting cages will not be at risk, but those foraging in a yard or living as free-rangers present a different problem.

      Dogs: Hens that are chased and stressed by dogs will, at best, cease laying, or even be killed. If a dog kills a chicken, make it sit while you hold the dead chicken in front of it, at the same time scolding it in a harsh voice. Usually, young dogs soon learn to look and not touch, especially after receiving a peck on the nose from a dominant chicken. Occasionally, a dog will act as a protector, herding the chickens and barking to raise your attention if predators are a threat.

      Cats: Initially inquisitive, they usually soon decide to respect and ignore each other. However, young chicks on their own are vulnerable unless accompanied by ‘mum’, who becomes a formidable opponent when her youngsters are under threat.

       Trespassing chickens

      Chickens that escape and wander into neighbouring gardens invariably cause problems. They eat plants, scratch and disturb soil and generally make a mess for which, in law, you will be responsible. If you take precautions to keep the hens securely fenced your liability could be less. Nevertheless, litigation can be expensive and time-consuming and it is better to regularly check your fencing and gates.

      Incidentally, unlike geese and ducks, hens have no right of way on a road and if killed there is no obligation on the part of the motorist to pay compensation.

       What about holidays?

      If the holiday is a long day out, get up early to feed and water your chickens. However, if you are out all day and will not be back until late, either give them extra food or ask a neighbour to look after them. Automatic feeding and watering devices are invaluable in these circumstances.

      When you are taking a holiday of several days, or longer, ensure that your chicken-sitter is a poultry enthusiast and has a basic knowledge of them and their routine. Write down details of feeding and watering (how much and when) so that there can be no mistakes.

       Your own cat usually learns to live with the chickens, but neighbouring cats can be a problem.