If you want a new, feathery addition to the family then chickens are a great choice. With lots of care and attention they will come accustom to being handled, and with freshly laid eggs in the morning they offer you something which no other pet can. However, as with all pets you need to consider what you will need in order to keep them happy, and a nice, cosy and comfy home is definitely a priority. So, the big question is – will you buy or build your own chicken coop? As experts in all things ‘chicken’ related, we at Cotswold Chickens have decided to answer your questions surrounding chicken coops.

If you are planning on building your own chicken coop, then there are a few deciding factors which need to be considered; time, budget, resources and expertise being amongst them.

Time

If you already brought your chickens and you are merely waiting to collect them, then you probably don’t have a great deal of time to sort out their accommodation, and time is definitely something you require if you are planning on making your chicken coop with your very own hands.

Budget

If you have a budget you need to stick to, look at the cost of materials and resources and compare how much it will cost to make your own chicken coop with the cost of buying one. You may be surprised at how expensive building your very own coop actually is. However, there are ways which you can reduce the cost of building a chicken coop, and recycling wood whether from an old shed or from a reclamation yard Bedford is an effective way of cutting costs.

At Cotswold Chickens we have a whole range of chicken coops, which you can view via our online shop. They come in a variety of sizes, finishes and styles to suit both your chicken’s requirements and your own. So what are you waiting for? Check it out today.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Although the end of September peppered us with a late flurry of summer, winter seems to have well and truly set in with the windy and wet weather scattering much of the country. It’s this time of year that you need to ensure that your chicken houses are well protected, safe and secure. To help, our team here at Cotswold Chickens have put together a helpful guide of how to look after your chickens throughout winter through to spring next year.

Housing:

Whilst you and your family are sat in-front of the fire or with the central heating warming up the house, think about your chickens outside in their coop. As this is where they’ll be spending the majority of their team, it’s important to make sure that it’s in the best condition for them.

Before the frost starts to settle in and prevent you from getting out with your garden equipment and carrying out garden work whilst your chickens roam free, we recommend checking the coops for any draughts or leaks, whilst also making sure that the ventilation is above head height. For added protection purchase our coop covers.

Runs:

Due to the ground likely to be either frozen, solid or waterlogged due to the winter weather, it’ll be difficult for your flock of feathery friends to enjoy the freedom that they experienced during the summer months. But this doesn’t mean that you should keep them cooped up in their homes until 2012; instead fit a chicken run onto the coop and allow them to go in and out as they please.

Here at Cotswold Chickens we have a range of chicken runs available, including the Windsor and Broughton runs.

The Windsor model is a 6foot by 6foot by 3foot mesh run complete with a front opening door and hinged top, which enables easy access for you to clean the area, whilst also providing enough room for your birds to roam. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, then the Broughton run could be perfect as it is 6foot by 3foot by 3foot, with a small pop hold which will allow chickens to gain safe access from their coop.
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If you’d like more information as to how to pick the perfect chicken houses for your birds this winter contact our team here at Cotswold Chickens by calling 01608.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

If this is your first winter with your new feathered friends, it’s understandable to be worried about whether there are certain measures to take to ensure their continued health when the snow comes and the temperature drops below freezing. They may be covered in beautiful feathers, but it doesn’t stop them feeling the cold – which is why we at Cotswold Chickens have devised this ‘how to’ guide, to ensure that your chickens are happy all year long.

Step One: Check the Coop

‘Home sweet home’ is a saying we commonly refer to when speaking of our own abode and like us, chickens do not like cold drafts blowing through their home. To prevent feathers being ruffled, check the coop thoroughly for any drafts and leaks. To increase your chicken’s comfort we always recommend that you invest in a premade coop which is water tight, rather than trying to make one yourself. You don’t need heat pumps to keep them warm, just a well-built chicken coop.

Top Tip: If you have an old piece of carpet lying around the house, cover it in plastic and secure it to the roof of your chickens’ coop. This acts as extra insulation and ensures that drafts and leaks are avoided.

Step Two: Prevent Frostbite

Chickens are more affected by the heat than the cold, yet the one concern which plagues many chicken keepers is frostbite. To prevent your chickens from getting frostbite there are a few steps to take. The first is to add extra straw in the coop, so that your chickens have something to snuggle down into. The second is to clear out daily any droppings, so your chickens remain happy.

Top Tip: Place Vaseline on the ear tips, wattle and comb to prevent frostbite.

If you need a little guidance on how to keep your chickens happy all year round then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Cotswold Chickens. We are always happy to help, and we have a vast selection of chicken coops which are ideal for the upcoming winter months. Visit our website for more information.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

More and more people are realising the benefits of adopting chickens into their families. These delightful creatures make friendly companions for children and grown-ups alike, and also provide delicious fresh eggs for your full English breakfast. Once you have invited these feathered friends into your home, it is important to make sure they have somewhere comfortable and warm to live, since happy chickens lay the very best eggs. Cotswold Chickens are specialist providers of chickens and their accessories, so when you are looking for high quality chicken coops, look no further.

We have a wide variety of chicken coops available to buy which suit all budgets and requirements. Whether you are searching for a hen house which will look like part of the garden furniture, or a coop which will really stand out, we can help. We can even provide eco-friendly chicken coops for the family who are really embracing the good life.

Chicken coops can be either wooden for a traditional look, or plastic for easy cleaning. These houses will protect your chickens from the elements and any pesky foxes. Choose from the new hen arch, which makes a distinctive-looking hen house, or the Fenwick coop, which can be painted or stained in a colour of your choice and which can also be provided with a matching run.

One of our most popular chicken coops is the unique Eglu. Available in five bright colours, these coops offer fantastic insulation for those harsh winters, and are the most energy efficient coop available. Also, they are made of a material which is 100% recyclable, so when your chickens fancy a change of address, there is no need to worry about disposing of your coop.

Starting at £120, our chicken coops are affordable, high quality products which offer your chickens a comfortable place to call home. They are all designed to be easy to use, with convenient access for collecting eggs and features such as removable perches for straightforward cleaning. Take a look at our Cotswold Chickens online store today to find the perfect pad for your new pets.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Keeping chickens is a very rewarding hobby, but before you take the plunge you need to have all the necessary equipment ready for when you welcome them to their new home. The coop is one such necessity, as it protects the chickens from the harsh and robust British weather, and from potential predator attacks. To help you choose the right chicken coop for your lovely new chickens, we here at Cotswold Chickens have compiled this useful guide on how to buy the perfect home from the many chicken coops available.

What Size Do You Need?

How many chickens you decide to adopt will have some bearing on the size of the coop you ultimately choose, but then again so does the size of your garden. You need to take both into consideration and come to a conclusion before racing off to the nearest store to buy the first one you see.

It’s worth bearing in mind that chickens need enough space in which they can move about in and be happy.

Protection Against Predators

Here at Cotswold Chickens we know from experience that garden gates Marlow will not protect your chickens from an attack, which is why you will find a whole range of coops here at Cotswold Chickens, all designed to protect and care for your new little friends.

Set A Budget

It’s always worth looking around at coops to get a rough idea of the price they usually sell for. Once you have gained an accurate understanding of the market, you can then go on to set yourself a realistic budget.

At Cotswold Chickens we have great selection of coops which will suit all budgets. Take a look if you don’t believe us!

To make sure you pick the right coop for your chickens, then come and visit us here at Cotswold Chickens. With our wealth of experience and large selection of chicken coops you are sure to find one that protects your chickens all year round come rain or shine. For more friendly advice, pop in and see us, or phone us on 01608 6839 12.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

With winter drawing in it’s important as chicken owners that you have adequate shelter and housing for your flock. As chicken lovers ourselves, here at Cotswold Chickens we know how important it is to find the perfect chicken coops which offer everything you require. This is why we stock a wide variety of coops, all of which have been designed to protect your flock from the wet and windy conditions; along with offering them protection from their natural predators.

Coops Available:

Our range of chicken coops varies from the traditional through to the eco and more contemporary Eglu range, so whether your chickens show a fun and frivolous personality or a more conservative approach, you’ll be able to find the perfect housing for them.

How to Choose a Coop:

All of our chicken coops are designed with both the animals and owners in mind, which is why they’re all aesthetically pleasing, spacious and easy to clean thanks to the pull out trays which have been incorporated.

We appreciate that this may make it difficult for you to choose the perfect home for your poultry, which is why we’ve compiled this brief guide of things to consider.

Space:

Birds which are squashed together will squabble and this can lead to feather pecking. It’s therefore advisable as a rule of thumb, to leave 3 square feet of space per bird within the coop.

Features:

Whilst lack of space can lead to your birds fighting, so can boredom. With this in mind you need to consider what features you’d like, such as do you want to attach a run or not?

Materials Used:

Chicken coops come in various materials from plastic to CNC wood, each of which has various qualities. However they also have drawbacks, such as wood can leave cracks where red-mite can hide, so it’s important to select the right material for your surroundings.

Choosing chicken coops is a lot like choosing a home for your family, which is why we recommend looking at various options before selecting the one which suits your birds, their lifestyle and the space that you have available. If you’d like more help, contact our team today on 01608 683912.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Chickens – regardless of whether you want them for eggs, meat or just to keep you occupied, need some tender loving care to ensure they remain in tip top condition, and one of the main ingredients to ensure a happy and healthy chicken is food. So, what exactly do they need feeding? Although chickens will devour pretty much anything, it’s best to maintain a healthy diet for optimum well-being as the team here at Cotswold Chickens will endeavour to explain.

As experts, we know from hands-on experience that a healthy chicken is a happy chicken, and happy chickens will produce better eggs and poultry. Like us, food plays an important role in a chicken’s life – if they are not given the correct nutrients or indeed the occasional treat, they will not be impressed.

Nutrients

So, the big question is – what nutrients are needed to maintain a balanced diet? The greatly anticipated answer is the following;
•    Carbohydrate
•    Protein
•    Oil
•    Fat
•    Vitamins
•    Minerals and Water
Generally speaking, all of these nutrients can be found in a good quality feed. So, it should be a top priority to source high quality chicken feed rather than expecting your chickens to forage in your garden and turf Richmond.

Feed Types

There are various feed types, including mash/meal, pellets and crumbs. Here at Cotswold Chickens, we believe in a varied diet, and although we would recommend the organic pellet food supplied by The Smallholders Allen and Page, if you mix things up a bit now and again it shouldn’t have an adverse effect on your chickens’ health.

For professional help on how to keep your chickens happy and above all healthy, be sure to get in touch with us here at Cotswold Chickens. With our years of experience rearing and handling chickens, we are on hand to offer advice that we are more than happy to impart with to our customers. Call us today on 01608 683912 for more information.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

When it comes to finding gifts, whether for a friend, work colleague or family member, many of us will find ourselves walking up and down the local High Street for hours on end until we find something which we think they may like. For many this is usually a voucher for a certain shop; however if you want to find the perfect gift for the chicken fan amongst your family and friends, then the range of chicken gifts available through us here at Cotswold Chickens are a must.

As chicken specialists and also lovers of our feathered friends ourselves, the team here at Cotswold Chickens appreciate that having a gift which is related to the hobby of chicken care can make a great personal gift, which is why via our website you’ll find a range of gifts from the sensible and useful to the quirky and funny – and without a bird table in sight.

Quirky and Funny:

Our range of quirky and funny gifts range from those which can be used within the kitchen, such as our stunning egg skelter which is capable to hold up to 24 hen’s eggs (depending on size of eggs) and comes in a range of colours, including pink and light blue. To complement the egg skelter, why not consider the set of four spotty hen egg cosies or one of our egg cups, including the “cracked egg” cup.

Sensible and Useful:

Along with the range of quirky and funny gifts which we have available, we also have a selection of sensible and useful gifts which make the perfect present for both veterans and newbies to chicken care. Some examples of the gifts which fall into this category include advice books, from “how to avoid the vet” through to a guide to getting started with chickens.

Whatever chicken gift you opt to purchase, why not continue on the theme of poultry by purchasing the chicken gift wrap and cards that we have available? We guarantee that the special someone in your life who loves chickens will appreciate and cherish these gifts.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Wouldn’t it be great to own a pet that can help you do your bit for the environment, offers a large amount of enjoyment, and, at the same time offers a very nice financial gain too?  Well, if you’re thinking ‘yes’, keep reading, because with our affordable egg laying chickens we may have just the answer.

We can provide you with comprehensive starter kits and chickens specially bred at our clean and safe Oxfordshire-based farm. At Cotswold Chickens we offer some of the best egg laying breeds there are. From Rhode Island Red to Light Sussex, we have what you’re after – and, if you require, you can even mix the breeds for your very own bespoke flock. This is a great opportunity for those wishing to embrace the ‘good life’ and have their own coop full of chickens and freshly laid eggs.

With our high quality egg laying chickens you get all the health and nutritional benefits of rich eggs produced from happy, cared for birds. In return you are saving money from your weekly food bill which certainly adds up over the course of the year. So, not only do you know exactly where the eggs have come from and how the individual chickens have been treated and cared for, you’re better off in the pocket too.

You don’t even need to worry about buying specialist garden equipment Northampton to maintain your lawn when you invest in chickens. They are great at maintaining your garden, and as a natural method of pest control you’ll find that your garden will thrive with its new inhabitants.

Now that’s what we call a fun and profitable combination that’s pretty impossible to resist. So if you want to reap the rewards of owning chickens, then you should defiantly get in touch with us at Cotswold Chickens today. We have a great variety of chickens, and with our helpful guidance you will be able to care and love for your chickens all year long. For more information, or some friendly advice then contact us today. You can pop down and visit us in person, or you can phone us on 01608 683912.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Chickens make great pets, and although they are not your traditional furry loving companion they still offer their owners love and affection. Many homeowners are taking up the latest fad of keeping chickens in a real attempt to live the ‘good life’. You can have freshly laid eggs in the morning still warm from the coop, in the knowledge that your chickens have been treated well and are happy in their current home. For many this is the epitome of living a wholesome life. At Cotswold Chickens we adore how more and more people are embracing hens as pets. To make sure your chickens are happy in their new home, here is our latest guide on how to keep chickens.

Home Sweet Home

Before bringing your chickens back to your home, you first need to sort out the their housing. If you decide to have four hens it best to have a coop which gives them 4×4ft internal space. We would usually recommend that you buy more than one hen, as chickens similarly to humans, prefer to have a companion and can become lonely if they don’t have a friend.

You should make sure that your garden and the chicken coop offers your hens effective protection. Unfortunately garden gates Marlow do not prevent predators from attacking your new pets. This is why their coop is so important.

Chicken’s Diet

As their new owner you will need to ensure that your new pets have the appropriate diet. At Cotswold Chickens we are able to give advice on the types of feed available and the best varieties for your new hens.

If you are planning on having chickens in your back garden, then ideally you need to discuss it with an expert beforehand. Here at Cotswold Chickens we are always happy to help those interested in keeping hens or currently have hens. If you would like more advice then come and visit us, or contact us on 01608 683 912.

Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Cotswold Chickens. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Cotswold Chickens, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.