Incorporating chooks into your garden plan is becoming increasingly popular and will provide you with numerous benefits. Not only can they supply a sustainable source of protein, but they can also contribute to garden health, soil fertility, and overall garden productivity.
The most obvious benefits of keeping chooks in your backyard is the eggs they produce. Provided they are well cared for, your hens will produce a daily supply of fresh, high-quality eggs. A healthy diet, dry comfortable coop and attention given to their overall health will translate into very happy hens and great-tasting eggs.
Keeping your girls happy will require some space so that they can forage around, soil-bathe under a tree, and to keep them interested. While being very inquisitive of their surroundings, chickens are natural insect hunters and they can help to control pests in your garden. They will happily eat insects, grubs, and other small creatures that can damage your crops. This means that you can reduce your use of chemical pesticides, which is not only better for your garden but also for you and the environment. Just keep an eye on them, as they will also enjoy feasting on and scratching up your crops if left unattended. However, letting them scratch around in garden beds that you are wanting to rejuvenate or beds that have had a green-manure crop growing can be very helpful because they will assist in aerating the soil while also adding organic matter by turning in your spent crops.
Chickens produce a lot of manure, which is great for us gardeners because it can be used as a fertiliser in the garden. Chicken manure is high in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. The best way to use their poop is to add it to your compost system rather directly to the garden. Remember to add plenty of dry material at the same time, such as straw, hay, leaves, etc.
You will also find that your chickens are great at processing your waste, as they will happily eat kitchen scraps, vegetable peelings and other food waste that would all normally go straight into the compost bin. Sharing the food scraps between the two works really well. However, your chickens will not remain healthy on a diet solely of kitchen waste. A good-quality pellet mix is essential for happy hens.
Raising chickens in your backyard can be a great educational experience for both children and adults. By caring for the chickens and watching them grow, you can learn about animal husbandry, biology, and sustainability. Children in particular can benefit from learning about where their food comes from and the importance of responsible food production. And chickens provide great companionship. They are social animals and enjoy interacting with humans. Many people find that spending time with their chickens can be relaxing and therapeutic, and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
If you are considering adding chickens to your backyard, be sure to do your research and provide them with a safe, comfortable home and a healthy diet. With proper care, your chickens can be a valuable addition to your food-growing system and your overall lifestyle.
HAPPY GARDENING!
Drew Cooper, Edible Gardens
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