CLUCKY FOR CHICKENS

Using your backyard for growing vegetables and fruit is a step in the right direction if you’re wanting to be more self-sufficient. But, have you considered chickens? Perhaps these clucky, curious creatures could be the next addition to your garden.

Chickens are not just for those living rurally, backyard chickens are growing in popularity. While the cost of eggs may have something to do with that, chickens are also known for providing a number of benefits to the ecosystem of your garden.

Benefits in your garden:

Chickens naturally scratch and dig to find seeds and bugs. The process spreads and aerates compost and mulch, and loosens the ground.

Snails, slugs, roaches, caterpillars and even aphids will be kept at bay with hungry chickens around.

Chicken manure is an excellent source of nitrogen for your plants and can be added to compost to create a nutrient-rich fertiliser for the garden.

• Food scraps will quickly disappear when given to the chickens to consume.

Raising residential chickens:

Build or buy a coop. Chickens need somewhere safe, warm and dry to lay their eggs and perch at night. A secure coop with several nesting boxes and a perch at least 20cm from the ground is necessary. Select a natural bedding that is easy to muck out and replace, this will help keep your coop clean. Wood shavings are a good option and can be added to the compost after use.

• Decide whether your chickens will be free-range or penned. While free ranging can be idyllic in the countryside, residential chickens may be better suited to a moveable pen. One with wheels will allow you to move it around the garden or lawn, ensuring the chickens frequently have a fresh spot to scratch and your soil gets maximum chicken-benefits.

Choose your chickens. Red Shavers are the most common option and are bred to lay an egg a day.

In Marlborough, up to 12 chickens can be kept in a residential zone, but no roosters – however, talk to the breeder and work out how many chickens you and your space can comfortably accommodate. Keep up with maintenance. Chickens must be well-cared for, from mucking out the coop, to feeding them a range of scraps and grains, to checking for mites - chickens require careful attention and maintenance.

Enjoy the benefits of raising your own chickens. Once you’ve tried the first poached egg from your happy and healthy chickens, you’ll never go back!