How many chickens to keep?

• We recommend that people keep at least three hens (female chickens) which get on well together. 
• Cockerels (male chickens) should not be kept together, unless they have grown up together and get on well.

Cockerels

• No method of restricting movement or access to facilities must be employed in order to prevent the natural noise of cockerels crowing.

Introducing new chickens to the flock

• Mixing of chickens that are unfamiliar with each other should be done carefully. 
• Mixing birds with very different body sizes should be avoided, as this can result in bullying.