About this Promotion
Fifty years and more ago it was the norm to keep a few hens in the vegetable garden and in recent years keeping chickens has seen a big rise in popularity. Animal welfare issues, concerns over pesticides and antibiotics plus a desire for a slice of the good life are amongst the reasons for the increase and the benefits are many.
Eggs
Perhaps the most obvious of benefits! In the same way that your homegrown veg tastes better than shop bought eggs from your own hens will be very superior. They will be fresher, with strong shells, orangey-yellow yokes and thick whites and you will be confident that they came from happy hens.
Pest Control
Chickens free ranging in the flower garden can cause mayhem but use them as part of your vegetable plot rotation system and they’ll work hard for you. Not only will they dig up perennial weeds but they’ll eat bugs, larvae and caterpillars whilst simultaneously fertilising the soil!
Manure
When cleaning out your chickens add the waste to your compost heap. It will rot down to form a wonderful free fertiliser.
Cheap (not cheep!)
Chickens are relatively cheap to buy and to look after. Once you’ve bought their house, fencing and a few other items of essential equipment you will just need to buy feed and a few health and hygiene items.
Meat
Breeds suitable both for both laying and for the table are referred to as being dual purpose. Rearing and eventually eating your own birds is one way of ensuring that the food on your table comes from a high welfare, happy creature. Just don’t give them names!
Entertainment
Chickens make great pets, both for adults and children.
Eggs
Perhaps the most obvious of benefits! In the same way that your homegrown veg tastes better than shop bought eggs from your own hens will be very superior. They will be fresher, with strong shells, orangey-yellow yokes and thick whites and you will be confident that they came from happy hens.
Pest Control
Chickens free ranging in the flower garden can cause mayhem but use them as part of your vegetable plot rotation system and they’ll work hard for you. Not only will they dig up perennial weeds but they’ll eat bugs, larvae and caterpillars whilst simultaneously fertilising the soil!
Manure
When cleaning out your chickens add the waste to your compost heap. It will rot down to form a wonderful free fertiliser.
Cheap (not cheep!)
Chickens are relatively cheap to buy and to look after. Once you’ve bought their house, fencing and a few other items of essential equipment you will just need to buy feed and a few health and hygiene items.
Meat
Breeds suitable both for both laying and for the table are referred to as being dual purpose. Rearing and eventually eating your own birds is one way of ensuring that the food on your table comes from a high welfare, happy creature. Just don’t give them names!
Entertainment
Chickens make great pets, both for adults and children.