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The backyard chicken movement has seen a significant rise in Australia over the past few years. Families and individuals are attracted to the idea of self-sustainability, fresh eggs, and the joy of keeping these feathery friends. However, for the uninitiated, diving into poultry care might seem daunting. But worry not! This guide is tailored for Australians keen on raising healthy chickens in their backyard.
1. Local Council Regulations
Before setting up your chicken coop, it's essential to check with your local council regarding regulations. While most councils in Australia permit backyard chickens, there might be restrictions on the number of chickens you can keep, proximity to neighbours, and whether roosters are allowed due to their crowing.
2. Selecting Your Chickens
There are various breeds suitable for Australian conditions. Popular options include the Isa Brown, Sussex, and Australorp. When selecting, consider their temperament, egg-laying capability, and adaptability to your local climate.
3. Housing Your Chickens
Coops: Your chicken coop should be robust, protecting your flock from predators like foxes. Ensure it's spacious enough — typically, you'll want at least 0.37 square metres per bird. The coop should have adequate ventilation, be waterproof, and provide protection from the elements, especially Australia's scorching sun.
Nesting Boxes: For egg layers, provide one nesting box for every three to four hens. Fill these with straw or wood shavings.
Perches: Chickens naturally perch at night. Offering raised perches in their coop helps them feel secure.
Run: An outdoor run gives chickens the opportunity to scratch, forage, and enjoy the sun. Ideally, it should be predator-proof and spacious.
4. Feeding Your Chickens
Chickens eat grains, vegetables, and even insects. In Australia, a variety of commercial chicken feeds are available, ensuring your birds get a balanced diet. Additionally:
- Offer kitchen scraps except for toxic foods like onions, garlic, and avocado.
- Ensure they have a constant supply of fresh water, especially during the hot months.
- Consider offering shell grit, which aids in digestion and provides essential calcium for egg-laying hens.
5. Health and Wellbeing
Regular Check-ups: Routinely check your chickens for signs of illness or parasites. Look out for signs like lethargy, unusual droppings, loss of feathers, or changes in egg production.
Vaccinations: Some diseases prevalent in Australia, such as Marek's Disease, can be fatal for chickens. It's wise to vaccinate your birds to protect them.
Parasite Control: Worms, mites, and lice can affect chickens. Regularly clean and disinfect the coop, use diatomaceous earth or specific treatments to keep these pests at bay.
Quarantine New Birds: If introducing new birds to your flock, quarantine them for at least two weeks to ensure they aren't carrying diseases.
6. Integrating With the Garden
Chickens can be a boon for garden enthusiasts. They help in pest control, eat weeds, and their manure is a great fertilizer. However, they might also nibble on your veggies and plants. Consider a chicken tractor – a movable coop – that lets your birds graze in different garden areas without causing extensive damage.
7. Dealing with Eggs
If you're raising hens primarily for eggs:
- Collect eggs daily to prevent them from getting dirty or eaten.
- Store eggs with the pointed end facing downwards to keep them fresh longer.
- In Australia's warm climate, consider refrigerating eggs to extend their shelf life.
8. Being Mindful of Predators and Threats
Australia has its fair share of chicken predators, including foxes, snakes, and birds of prey. Secure your coop, especially at night, and consider netting for the run area to deter aerial predators.
9. Engaging with a Community
Australia boasts several poultry clubs and online forums. Engaging with fellow poultry enthusiasts can provide you with invaluable insights, advice, and support, making your chicken-raising journey smoother.
Raising chickens in your Australian backyard can be a rewarding experience. It offers fresh produce, aids in sustainability, and brings a unique joy that every poultry enthusiast swears by. While there's a learning curve, the basics covered here should set you on the right path.
To ensure your flock's best care, explore our online store's poultry section. We offer a curated range of poultry products tailored to the Australian environment and the unique challenges our birds face. Dive in and equip yourself with everything needed for a happy, clucking backyard!