Last week we talked about whether chickens are right for you – this week it’s about getting things set up properly.
Before bringing chickens home, it’s worth knowing the local rules here. Under the current TCDC bylaw, you can keep up to six hens in urban areas, but roosters are not permitted. Chickens must be housed in a properly built coop and run that’s kept clean, in good condition and smells and vermin kept to a minimum.
There are also setback rules to consider:
Coops need to be at least 10 metres from neighbouring houses and 2 metres from property boundaries. It might sound a bit technical, but it really comes down to common sense – keep things tidy and neighbour-friendly.
When it comes to housing, they need a safe, dry place to call home. A good coop should be weatherproof, well ventilated, and secure at night. While we’re fairly lucky in the Coromandel, it’s still important to protect them from dogs or other unwelcome visitor.
Inside the coop, a few basics go a long way. Nesting boxes give hens a comfortable place to lay, one box for every two to three chickens is usually plenty. Bedding such as straw or wood shavings helps keep things clean and cosy and will need topping up or changing regularly.
Roosting bars are also important, as chickens prefer to perch up off the ground at night. A 4×2 timber bar laid on the flat side is widely considered ideal.
Outside, a run or fenced area gives them space to scratch around and behave like chickens. A simple dust bath like a dry patch of soil or a mix of sand and ash, helps them keep clean naturally.
As a general guide, allowing around 4+ square metres per hen outdoors will keep your flock comfortable and in line with good welfare practices.
Automatic coop doors are also becoming more popular. They can be a handy option, opening and closing with daylight and taking the pressure off early mornings and evenings.
Getting the setup right from the start makes life much easier for both you and your flock. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just practical and well thought out.
Next week: Choosing the right breed for your backyard.
