The theory behind keeping free-range poultry—chickens that are allowed to roam the garden at their will—is wonderful, but the practice is not always quite so simple. While many people’s ideal is to have chickens scratching at the back door, picking at scraps and living a contented life, in reality things can be very different.

Although free-ranging poultry will eradicate insect pests and slugs in the garden, some of their habits are less welcome. Chickens and bantams love nothing more than a good dust bath to help rid themselves of parasites. They consider a well-prepared seed bed ideal for the purpose. To their minds, bark mulch that has been carefully placed around plants is scratching heaven. For these reasons alone, you may prefer to keep your chickens confined to a run. A run will also prevent your hens from laying their eggs in the shrubbery where you can’t find them. If well constructed, the run will protect them from neighborhood dogs and wild predators.

The amount of space needed in the run depends on whether your chickens can be given some free range. Generally it should be as big as is practical.

Read tips for keeping free-range chickens and a tidy garden

Note: This text is excerpted from Keeping Chickens by Jeremy Hobson & Celia Lewis (David & Charles, 2007; 159 pages; $19.99) Click here for more info or to purchase.

From Horticulture Magazine

Related Local Events

ACHA's 1st Annual Bay Area Wine & Food Tasting
Dates: 2/10/2012 - 2/10/2012
Location: UCSFs Cardiovascular Research Building
San Francisco, CA
View Details

Valentine's Day Date Night Cooking Class - San Francisco (2/11)
Dates: 2/11/2012 - 2/11/2012
Location: Dacor
South San Francisco, CA
View Details

Times:6:30 PM

Address:
871 Dubuque Avenue
South San Francisco, CA

Description:

This class is 6:30pm - 9pm.

Perfect for Valentine's Day: Join Parties That Cook at Dacor's beautiful kitchen showroom and get lucky by making a meal that's sure to be both romantic and memorable. You and your partner will heat up the kitchen as you learn cooking techniques, sip prosecco and prepare an array of international gourmet small plates with hands-on instruction. Complimentary prosecco is included.

At this exciting interactive cooking party, guests enjoy a lively introductory cooking demonstration, featuring tips such as the fastest way to dice an onion without a tear. Guests then break into teams, and work on a recipe from the evening's international tapas menu, while listening to upbeat music. After the cooking is over, guests savor the 'fruits' of their labor hot from the oven!

Feb. 11 SAMPLE Menu
Pancetta-Wrapped Plums with Blue Cheese and Sweet Honey-Balsamic Glaze
Spicy Chipotle and Cheddar Cheese Corn Mini Muffins with Honey Butter
Brioche Sweetheart Tartines Topped with Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Salad
Fried Mozzarella Bocconcini with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Chocolate-Raspberry Truffles

Parties That Cook designs fresh seasonal menus for each event. Guests do not need cooking experience to attend. The price includes cooking instruction by professional chefs, a complimentary glass of wine, recipes using the finest, freshest ingredients, copies of the recipes, and the camaraderie of cooking with new friends!

Do you have any dietary restrictions? Most of our menus are designed to include a few vegetarian dishes. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate substitutions. Please contact Parties That Cook in advance of purchasing if you have questions about the menu. Please email Info@PartiesThatCook.com or call 415.441.3595.

Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. You may transfer to another class of equal or lesser

Valentine's Day Couples Cooking Class with Parties That Cook
Dates: 2/11/2012 - 2/11/2012
Location: Dacor
South San Francisco, CA
View Details

Times:6:30 PM

Address:
871 Dubuque Avenue
South San Francisco, CA

Description:
Valentine's Day Couples Cooking Class - February 11, 2012This class is 6:30pm - 9pm.Perfect for Valentine's Day: Join Parties That Cook at Dacor's beautiful kitchen showroom and get lucky by making a meal that's sure to be both romantic and memorable. You and your partner will heat up the kitchen as you learn cooking techniques, sip prosecco and prepare an array of international gourmet small plates with hands-on instruction. Complimentary prosecco is included.At this exciting interactive cooking party, guests enjoy a lively introductory cooking demonstration, featuring tips such as the fastest way to dice an onion without a tear. Guests then break into teams, and work on a recipe from the evening's international tapas menu, while listening to upbeat music. After the cooking is over, guests savor the 'fruits' of their labor hot from the oven!Feb. 11 SAMPLE MenuPancetta-Wrapped Plums with Blue Cheese and Sweet Honey-Balsamic GlazeSpicy Chipotle and Cheddar Cheese Corn Mini Muffins with Honey ButterBrioche Sweetheart Tartines Topped with Dungeness Crab and Shrimp SaladFried Mozzarella Bocconcini with Spicy Tomato SauceChocolate-Raspberry TrufflesParties That Cook designs fresh seasonal menus for each event. Guests do not need cooking experience to attend. The price includes cooking instruction by professional chefs, a complimentary glass of wine, recipes using the finest, freshest ingredients, copies of the recipes, and the camaraderie of cooking with new friends!Do you have any dietary restrictions? Most of our menus are designed to include a few vegetarian dishes. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate substitutions. Please contact Parties That Cook in advance of purchasing if you have questions about the menu. Cancellation Policy: TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. You may transfer to another class of equal or lesser value 14 days or more prior to the class. Under 14 days, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another name.

Valentine's Day Couples Cooking Class with Parties That Cook
Dates: 2/11/2012 - 2/11/2012
Location: Dacor
South San Francisco, CA
View Details