Optional extras that make your life easier A range of poultry equipment is available from most produce or pet care stores, including feeders and water dispensers. Automatic feeders that can hang by a chain from the roof are particularly good, as they only need to be filled as necessary. They also prevent your birds from fouling the feed and help keep the rats and mice out of the food. Mobile chicken homes Mobile chicken pens are especially good for sustainable backyards. They can be moved to different areas of the garden to allow your chooks access to the weeds, seeds and insects in the soil, and you can quickly shift them to sun or shelter as required. After the chicken pen is moved, make sure any chicken manure that is left behind is removed or watered into the ground. Manure is potent stuff when it’s fresh, and it can cause damage to grass and plants. THE CHOOK BOOK | 29