Chickens - Standards for Layers

We have stated that there are many ways of rearing animals, so here we are going to look at how we do it on Greenacre (what we call our plot of land) & have a look at different methods.

These are for outdoor chickens only as we don't keep our chickens inside & they are in houses which are moved on a regular basis.

Greenacre:

House Space - Soil Association standards are 6 birds per Meter squared. We fall down here as our birds have access to 2 houses & most have abandonded one if favour of another (but they do seem quite happy!!). We do use straw on the bottom of our house to keep it clean & empty it out regularly.

Outside Space - We allow 10Meters squared per bird (approx), Soil Association standard is 10meters squared per bird. We use electric net fencing to give our birds plenty of outside space but still control the ground that they range over, this & their houses can be moved to fresh ground when needed.

Perch Space - the perch needs to be about 2" for layers(1" for bantams) & allow 8" or 20cm of perching space per chicken. Soil Association standards are 18cm per bird. Take care to round off any edges.

Nest Boxes - We allow 3 to 4 birds per box. Soil Association standards allow 6. We use straw for nesting material.

Feed - A layer (fully grown) will eat approx per 130g per day, they should also be allowed to scratch & love veg scraps (We grow sunflowers for treats for them, just allow the seeds to develop then pull the flower head whole & hang upsidedown in the pen for them to peck at. We have just been told that they go mad for pumkins/squashes, one to try this Autumn).

Feed Space - Allow 2.5cm per bird, this is the soil association standard.

Grit - Allow your layers free access to grit it's a necessity for digestion(feed utilisation) as well as calcium needed for eggs.

Water - This is another free access item, never leave your bird without water, they will drink approx 250 to 500ml of water per bird per day. (This is a guide only)

Some Extra Standards for you:

Pasture Rotation - Soil Association rest for 9months between layers.

Lighting - Soil Association, artifiacial cannot extend daylighting for more than 16hrs

Wing Clipping - Soil Association does not allow

A note on Clipping - We do clip at Greenacre & by clipping I mean the trimming of flight feathers on one wing, taking care to avoid blood vessels & not trim too much off of the feathers.

If you want to have a look at some of the products on our webiste www.goodlifesupplies.ie check out the links below

Houses

Feeders

Drinkers

Fencing

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