{"id":523,"date":"2011-06-05T10:24:11","date_gmt":"2011-06-05T09:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ashfieldallotments.co.uk\/?p=523"},"modified":"2015-01-05T12:22:49","modified_gmt":"2015-01-05T12:22:49","slug":"keeping-hens-on-your-plot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ashfieldallotments.co.uk\/index.php\/keeping-hens-on-your-plot\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Hens on your Plot"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keeping Hens on your P<\/strong>lot<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you wish to keep hens on your plot, you must first obtain permission from the Committee; and sign an agreement stating your intention to maintain the hens to a suitable standard.<\/p>\n

This agreement will require you to check the hens daily, provide competent care and management; and have the knowledge and skills to ensure the hens\u2019 wellbeing.
\nPoultry Guidelines<\/strong><\/p>\n

The following guidelines are part of our Keeping Poultry Agreement.<\/p>\n

Housing <\/strong><\/p>\n

As well as containment, appropriate housing is essential to ensure the welfare of hens and to allow expression of their natural behaviours (e.g. scratching).<\/p>\n

The total housing should be as large as possible, but must not exceed our site limit of
\n160 ft2<\/sup>\/15.0 m2<\/sup>. The housing should consist of :-<\/p>\n

Henhouse <\/strong><\/p>\n

Minimum of 2 ft2<\/sup>\/0.2m2<\/sup> per hen.<\/p>\n

Adequate protection from predators (e.g. foxes)<\/p>\n

Clean, dry bedding material to absorb moisture (e.g. wood shavings, straw, etc.).<\/p>\n

Warmth during the colder months and shade during summer.<\/p>\n

Adequate, draught free ventilation.<\/p>\n

Perches, typically 3-5cms wide with rounded edges, to enable them to grip.<\/p>\n

Nest boxes for egg laying.<\/p>\n

Outdoor Run <\/strong><\/p>\n

Minimum area of 4 ft2<\/sup>\/0.4m2<\/sup> per hen.<\/p>\n

Plenty of space to allow your hens to dig, dust themselves and flap their wings.<\/p>\n

Feeding<\/strong><\/p>\n

You must provide your hens with :-<\/p>\n