Bermudians remembering food shortages and rationing during the Second World War often talk of how keeping chickens was a godsend since it meant a reliable home supply of fresh eggs. With the decline of the agrarian economy after the war, chicken coops and runs in gardens became less common. However, recently they have been making a comeback, thanks in part to curfew restrictions imposed by Covid. Once again, a ready source of fresh eggs is an attractive proposition.
But chicken keepers will tell you that caring for the birds is also enjoyable since, as professional wildlife photographer Jessica Riederer says, they are highly sociable animals who make good pets. With much of her garden devoted to chicken coops and runs, she is an expert and is often asked for advice. As she explains, care may vary according to the species of chickens kept. However, here is some basic advice for people starting out.
Sourcing Chickens
Although chicken farming has fluctuated over the years in Bermuda, the Bermuda Poultry Fanciers Society has been in existence for over a hundred years. Members regularly hold poultry shows in the Botanical Gardens while also showing numerous poultry exhibits in the annual Bermuda Agricultural Show. People wanting chickens, chicks and roosters can source them through the society, as well as via the Just Chickens Bermuda page on Facebook. In addition, they can buy them from chicken farms such as Tom Wadson’s in Southampton. Different species are kept in Bermuda including silkies, Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, different varieties of Leghorns, and Seramas.
How to choose? In Jessica’s opinion, that depends on whether you are more interested in their eggs supply or in their personalities and appearances.
Building the Coop and Run
Many beginners start off with just two hens and maybe a rooster but as Jessica warns, chickens can be addictive so it’s best to create space for more.
The coop is where the chickens can safely eat, sleep and lay eggs, protected from the elements and from predators, with enough physical space to prevent them from becoming stressed. It should therefore consist of at least 5.5 square feet per chicken, be roofed and enclosed with half-inch wire for protection against rats, which, prevalent in Bermuda, always make for food supplies. Chicken wire fencing, says Jessica, does not work since the holes are big enough to let rats through. The coop should contain nesting boxes in which the hens will lay their eggs, one box for every three to four hens. They should be large enough for each chicken to nest and lay eggs – about 12 by 12 by 12inches. Appropriately sized old drawers, crates or plastic bins can make good nesting boxes. Chickens, of course, like to roost off the ground so the coop should also contain securely fixed perches made of 2 by 4 planks. Natural roosting bars also work, providing they are smooth. Spice tree branches make good ones. The coop floor and nesting boxes should be lined with shavings, straw or sand. The coop could also contain separate areas for roosters and for new chickens.
There should be access from the coop to an outdoor run large enough for the chickens to freely move, scratch and peck in dirt for food. The run should consist of about 10.5 square feet per chicken. In addition, they benefit from roaming on enclosed grassy areas for an hour a day.
Feeding Chickens
Chickens should be given fresh food and fresh, clean water every day. Waterers and feeders can be bought locally. There should be enough containers to prevent aggressive competition. It’s important to check daily both food and water for contamination from dirt and droppings.
Different foods fortified with essential nutrients and appropriate for chicks, growers and layers can be bought from local pet stores. Commercially prepared food can be supplemented with grains such as corn, wheat and oats. Jessica adds beaten egg to grain to provide more protein. Chickens also gain nutritional benefits, such as minerals, fibres and vitamins, from eating fresh vegetables, including kale, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, berries and grass. Calcium is essential for creating strong eggshells and can be offered in the form of ground egg or oyster shells, while grit given in the form of small stones helps the chickens to digest properly.
Important note! Avocados, chocolate, raw potatoes and potato peelings are toxic to chickens.
Introducing New Chickens
New chickens should be kept in a separate space for 2-4 weeks to make sure they are healthy and free of mites or parasites, which could contaminate the rest of the flock. The separate space also means the other birds can view them, becoming used to them before they are fully integrated. This is important because chickens establish their own social hierarchy, otherwise known as a pecking order, and therefore can distrust newcomers who should always be introduced gradually. Jessica recommends introducing two new chickens at a time so they have each other as friends. Treats and toys can distract the birds from aggressive conflict.
General Tips
- To ensure healthy chickens and promote laying, regularly clean the coop and nesting boxes, removing droppings. Replace bedding and floor coverings. Jessica cleans her coops once a day.
- Regularly handle the chickens and check for mites and parasites. Check the droppings for worms. Use medications, available in pet stores, when required.
- During the hot summer months, use electric fans to cool the air and prevent the chickens from becoming stressed.
Did you Know?
- Hens start laying eggs aged 4-6 months old.
- Chickens love to socialise and can be very affectionate with humans.
- Chickens need to peck in the dirt to find food such as seeds, insects and plants, as well as grit which helps them to digest. They also peck to create dust baths, which help to keep their feathers clean and control excess oil.
- You can check eggs for freshness by dipping them in a bowl of fresh water. If they sink to the bottom, they are fresh. If they float to the top, they are stale and unsafe to eat.
If you need advice, post questions on the Just Chickens Bermuda page
and/or the Bermuda Poultry Fanciers Association page on Facebook.
