British Hen Welfare Trust (rehomes Hens & roosters)
British Hen Welfare Trust is a wonderful organisation, that rescues chickens due for slaughter at the end of their egg-laying life. To give new homes for chickens and roosters, to people who would otherwise buy chickens from farms, for free-range eggs or simply because they like looking after them.
The charity is keen not to be political, so it maintains good relationships with farmers, in order to help the chickens given to them.
In nature, one rooster has a few ‘wives’ so usually there are also roosters to re-home too. Be prepared to be woken up early! Obviously you have to pass tests to ensure you have the right space and money to buy a big enough coop, and knowledge to feed and care for them.
The site above is run by experts, who can offer a hen-keeping starter guide and tips on feeding and hot/cold weather, plus details of hen-friendly vets.
Many foods (including flowers like daffodils) are highly toxic to chickens, so it’s really important to learn what not to feed them. These are not birds to just ‘give your leftovers too’, as many foods could harm.
Let’s All Keep Chickens is a good guide from a world expert on chicken-care, which covers all the basics including how to keep chickens healthy and avoid pecking. Also learn how to speak chicken, which will make care all the more easier!
How to Keep Chickens Safe from Foxes
Foxes are natural predators or chickens, so obviously good deterrence is key. In the wild, the natural diet of foxes is rabbits and rats, it’s often due to lack of natural habitats that they have come into urban areas.
Tips to deter foxes from attacking chickens include:
- Use plant-based fertilisers (avoid blood/fish based ones).
- One swan sanctuary recommends playing an outdoor camping radio (Radio 4 of people talking over music), this seems to deter).
- Don’t feed foxes. All wildlife rescues say they never see a starving fox, as they are scavengers who can live on anything from carrion (dead meat) to earthworms and fruit. So it’s fine to leave them to find their own food.
British Hen Welfare tips include:
- Use a large chicken-friendly coop with fencing, so hens are free to roam and be happy, but secure from predators.
- Never leave hens out overnight. Put them to bed at dusk (and keep them in secure runs, if you are out during the day).
- Check coops and runs for damage, high winds or snow can weaken areas like roofs.
- Fixed runs should be at least 5 ft high and laid on grass at right angles, to prevent predators digging underneath.
- Don’t house near overhanging branches, which foxes can use to gain entry.
Wisdom We Can Learn from Chickens!
Chicken Therapy is a delightful book packed with gorgeous illustrations, and gleaned wisdom from hen friends. From how they greet the day to exploring surroundings, and tending their chicks. Penned from a ‘self-proclaimed chicken lady’, example wisdom includes:
- Even if you can’t fly, don’t be afraid to stretch your wings. You may just get off the ground after all!
- Listen to the squawk of others. There really may be a hawk flying overhead.
- You don’t have to have lots of possessions, to be happy. Your space can be a comfortable and wonderful home.
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Connect with others and find your flock.
