REPLACING YOUR FLOCK If eggs are the main reason you’re keeping chickens, then you should consider replacing your laying birds when they reach 75 weeks/1.5 years of age. Beyond this age, they will begin to lay poorer quality eggs, and less frequently. Once retired from active service, an older hen will still continue to patrol the garden for insects and weeds, fertilise the garden, visit her friends and provide companionship for a number of years. HOUSING YOUR BACKYARD FLOCK The Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals and Domestic Poultry in Australia regulates poultry housing. This is available from your State Department of Agriculture or Department of Primary Industries. You should make sure your hen house complies with the requirements of the Code, for the health and safety of your hens, your family and your neighbours. It’s important to provide all poultry with protection against weather extremes and predators. It’s also helpful to have them lay their eggs where you want them rather than all over the garden! The hen house serves both roles. There are a lot of fantastic hen houses available commercially – or you can build your own. Regardless, consideration should be given to the following points to keep your hens comfortable, healthy and productive: Enough room If you’re keeping hens in your backyard, they may well be free to range in the garden during the day. To determine the appropriate size of a hen house for your flock, allow approximately 0.37 square metres (4sq.ft.) of floor space per bird. PART 3 ESTABLISHING YOUR OWN HOME FLOCK It is common for a hen in a backyard setting to live 8-10 years, which is about the same age as many dogs. DID YOU KNOW? 24 | THE CHOOK BOOK