{"title":"Keeping chickens for beginners","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs a minimum, chickens need: a dry, lockable coop with perch and nest box, a run or safe outdoor area, a drinker, a feeder or feeder tower, layers feed with grit and a way to spot red mite early. This page brings those basics together, plus what you should sort out in advance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe equipment at a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShelter:\u003c\/strong\u003e a coop for the night and a run for the day. Advice on sizes and materials is in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-coops-and-runs\"\u003echicken coops and runs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e a Gaun drinker tower, in capacities from 1 to 40 litres. Which size suits your flock is explained in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-drinkers\"\u003echicken drinkers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeed:\u003c\/strong\u003e a feeder tower keeps feed dry and clean; see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-feeders\"\u003efeeders and feeder towers\u003c\/a\u003e. Layers pellets and grain are in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-feed-and-treats\"\u003echicken feed and treats\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNest box:\u003c\/strong\u003e for example a plastic Gaun nest box, which you can easily rinse off.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParasite control:\u003c\/strong\u003e a red mite spray or powder from Excellent, to be used according to the label.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeck block:\u003c\/strong\u003e a layer peck block from Excellent or LAX keeps the birds occupied in the run.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBefore the first chickens arrive\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiscuss your plans with the neighbours; a cockerel crows early, hens do not. Check whether your local council has rules for animals in the garden. Bear in mind that during bird flu outbreaks a housing order may apply, including to backyard chickens: they must then stay under a solid roof or indoors. A run with a cover makes that easier. And plan ahead who will look after the birds when you are on holiday.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe daily routine\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the morning, open the pop hole, refresh the water and top up the feed. During the day, collect the eggs. In the evening, check that everyone is inside and close the coop. Once a week, remove droppings and check the perches for red mite: shine a torch into the seams at the ends of the perches and look for grey or red specks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll supplies for chicken keepers are in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-supplies\"\u003ethe complete chicken overview\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many chickens should I get as a beginner?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChickens are flock animals; keep at least two, preferably three. Then there is still company if one falls ill or dies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a cockerel for eggs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, hens lay without a cockerel too. A cockerel is only needed for fertile eggs to hatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to register my chickens?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRegistration rules for backyard poultry differ by country and can change. Check the current rules with the relevant authority in your country before you get chickens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is grit and why is it needed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrit is crushed stone that chickens use in their gizzard to grind feed. Oyster shell also supplies calcium for strong eggshells.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"drinkkom-pluimvee-voor-zelfmontage","title":"Poultry drinking cup for self-assembly","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePoultry drinking cup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plastic drinking cup is very easy to attach to all kinds of tanks with a water depth of up to 180 cm. \u003cbr\u003eThe cup automatically fills halfway. \u003cbr\u003eEasy to install, use and maintain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for various types of poultry such as chickens etc., and can be used both indoors and outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e0.5 l\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merkloos","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58965401174351,"sku":"DRIN220-HAC","price":23.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/DRIN220_2.png?v=1790771197"},{"product_id":"kerbl-snackbal","title":"Kerbl Snack Ball","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith the Kerbl Snack Ball you give your chickens a tasty treat and help combat boredom. The opening of the ball can be set to 3 sizes, so you can adjust it to the food you put in the ball. This also lets you easily set the level of difficulty. The ball can be used both in the chicken coop and in a fenced (grass) run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFill the ball with a treat, such as chicken feed, corn, grains or mealworms. Set the opening as desired and place the ball in the chicken coop or in the area where the chickens roam.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kerbl","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58966789751119,"sku":"POUL310-HAC","price":3.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/4186\/8111\/files\/POUL310.png?v=1790779289"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.us\/collections\/keeping-chickens-for-beginners.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}