MATT WHITTAKER, manager of Pets At Home Swindon, writes this week about keeping chickens...

ONE of the main benefits of keeping chickens is delicious, fresh eggs – but did you know that chickens also make lovely, inquisitive pets?

If you’re considering keeping chickens as pets, be sure to do your research as there may be some local restrictions and regulations in your area. It’s best to check this with local authorities before you purchase any items or chickens themselves.

Once you have got your chickens, make sure to register them. The Department of Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) encourages pet owners to register their chickens with them.

Chickens do not need to be kept in a large garden, a small one will do, in a spacious, secure and weatherproof coop. Your chicken coop should be as large as you can manage, but with a big run for them to roam around in – but it’s even better if they have access to safely explore the garden.

The coop should feature nest boxes, perches and a special door which you can secure at night – keeping them safe from nearby predators, such as foxes. Once they’re familiar with their new coop, chickens will always return home to roost at night, but you should ensure they’re locked in after dark and released again when it gets light.

As with all pets, a healthy diet, plenty of water and clean living conditions will keep your chickens bright eyed and bushy-tailed.

They do need different foods at different stages of their development, so their diet should be reviewed regularly.

Of course, chickens love treats just as much as other pets do. They love grapes, as well as dried or live mealworms as an occasional treat, but in moderation.

Be careful of eating near them outside – they’ll quite happily jump onto tables and steal your dinner!

For more advice on how to care for chickens, drop in-store and one of our colleagues will be able to help.