It is very easy to look after and care for just a few chickens in the back yard or garden but that doesn't mean that you should make your level of responsibility for them any less than for any other pet such as a cat or dog.
There are 5 freedom rules that you should always keep with good chicken welfare:
1) Freedom from thirst and hunger
2) Freedom from pain, injury and disease
3) Freedom from fear or distress
4) Freedom from any discomfort
5) Freedom to live with normal, natural behaviour
1) Freedom from thirst or hunger
It goes without saying that it is essential to keep your chickens or any other animals that you look after supplied with the necessary food and drink. It is also essential that you give them the correct measures and formulation for the age or type of chickens that you are rearing.
Drinking water should be cold and fresh each day so that it remains free from bacteria which will help ensure your chickens are healthy and disease free.
2) Freedom from pain, injury and disease
If your chicken looks unhappy or is showing signs of injury then this show be dealt with instantly. The sooner the chicken receives the correct medical help then the more chance it has of making a recovery.
For most diseases there will be readily available veterinary medicines and any routine treatments for internal or external mites or parasites should be adhered to regularly.
3) Freedom from fear or distress
You need to remain responsible for keeping your chickens protected from predators and situations where your chickens could become frightened.
It is obvious that good fencing and a correctly constructed coop will keep out any predators but you should also bear in mind that dogs, cats, children and loud noises can cause your chickens unnecessary distress and fear.
4) Freedom from any discomfort
Chickens need to live in a dry and clean coop to protect them from adverse weather and predators where they can sleep and rest in comfort.
Dampness in the run or coop can be a home to various forms of bacteria which can be harmful to your chickens.
5) Freedom to live with normal, natural behaviour
Although chickens will sleep quite closely together at night they still need the ability to find their own space until they are let out in the run during the day time baby chick problems.
An adequate number of feeders and drinkers should be available in different areas within the coop and run.
The best way to make sure that your chickens are correctly cared for is to listen to what experienced experts have to say.