- 1). Create an appropriate coop for your flock. Hens will need at least 2 sq. ft. each inside the coop, and at least 4 sq. ft., outside. When deciding the location of your coop, remember to keep your chickens safe from predators. These may include raccoons, snakes and larger birds. Try to place your coop in an area slightly away from any dense trees where these predators might live. Pine shavings make a very good flooring for chicken coops; if you can't find these at your local farm supply store, most pet stores will sell them in the small pet aisle (for lining hamster cages). Chickens may be kept in a shed, where they appreciate high shelves for roosting, or outdoors, where you can easily make your own coop with chicken wire.
- 2). Make or buy a nesting box. Hens appreciate having a safe, enclosed and shaded area to lay their eggs. This also has the advantage of enabling you to know exactly where the eggs are--no searching. If you wish to build your own nesting boxes, each box should be big enough for the chicken to stand up. The nesting boxes will look a bit like cubby holes. Put a protective lip on the opening of each box to protect the eggs from falling. Then line each box with some of the pine shavings you used for flooring material.
- 3). Keep the chickens at a comfortable temperature. Chickens can survive in cold weather, but it's best to keep them at a temperature that does not put them at risk (anything near 0 degrees Fahrenheit). A hen's egg-laying ability will be harmed if she's fighting simply to survive. You should watch your chickens in cold weather to catch any signs of danger. If their movement slows down, or they stay close together all day, or the tips of their combs begin to change color, it's necessary to provide more heat to your chickens. This might be done with a heat lamp for very cold weather, or even just a regular light bulb.
- 4). Feeding chickens is a fairly easy thing to do. Free feeding (giving a large amount of food and allowing the chickens to eat at their own pace) is acceptable, and feeders can be bought at any farm supply store. Fresh water should be given daily, and should always be available. Treats in the form of things like cracked corn can be given every once in a while (once a week or so).
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