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The poultry yard is becoming increasingly popular in modern home gardens, where a few hens are kept just for fresh eggs. In the countryside, keeping poultry remains a staple of rural life for many households. Modern solutions now make poultry keeping easier and safer than ever. Here are three tips to help novice poultry keepers.
When building chicken runs, one of the most critical aspects is creating a secure area to protect your birds from predators like foxes, martens, or birds of prey. Whether you are keeping ducks, hens, or geese, ensuring their safety is essential. Even crows can pose a threat to hatching chicks!
A strong and sturdy fence, possibly combined with a covering net, is vital. Traditional poultry yards often use chicken netting or wooden fencing. However, these materials may not withstand determined predators, which can dig under fences. To address this, consider installing a fence with a deep base and fence posts that extend into the ground, making it harder for predators like foxes to dig through.
Recycled plastic fence panels provide a perfect solution. They are highly durable, rot-resistant, and strong enough to withstand scratching from predators. Our range includes fence panels ideal for this purpose, offering the necessary height and width. If you prefer chicken wire, we recommend pairing it with sturdy plastic fence posts reinforced with steel. These posts are rust-free and splinter-proof, ensuring safety for both your birds and the environment. The chicken wire can also be folded back and partially buried to deter predators from digging underneath.
Avian influenza, a significant concern in the UK, can be minimized through proper hygiene. Traditional wooden coops often require labour-intensive whitewashing for disinfection. A chicken house made from recycled plastic wood offers a superior alternative.
This material offers better insulation than wood and is significantly more hygienic. It is easy to clean and disinfect and resists fungal growth. Plus, recycled plastic planks mimic the appearance of painted wood, allowing you to design a stylish, classic-looking chicken house that will enhance the beauty of your poultry yard.
Beginner poultry keepers often overlook the importance of feet protection. Prolonged exposure to muddy conditions during rainy weather can lead to foot-related diseases in birds. To prevent this, straw can help, but laying recycled plastic planks is an even better solution.
These planks are easy to clean, rot-proof, and create durable, dry "islands" for your poultry during wet conditions. Keeping their feet dry not only improves their health but also contributes to their overall well-being.
