Garden hens do best with clean water, steady feed, safe housing and a simple lock-up routine. Below is a friendly checklist for Saltaire & Shipley keepers—plus how our backyard flock checks work when you’re away.
Housing & run security
- Walk-in run with roof and 360° mesh; skirting/apron to deter digging.
- Auto-door or manual lock-up at dusk; check pop-holes and vents are sound.
- Dry, draught-free coop with deep, dry bedding (hemp/shavings, not dusty).
- Rodent-proof feed storage; remove food overnight from runs if vermin are active.
Feeding & water (simple schedule)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Layers pellets | Ad-lib via treadle/gravity feeder | Balanced daily diet; keeps eggs consistent. |
| Fresh water | Top-up & rinse daily | Keep out of sun; scrub every 2–3 days to avoid biofilm. |
| Greens/scraps | Small handful | Leafy veg/herbs only; avoid salty/sugary/fatty foods. |
| Grit & oyster shell | Available in a side dish | Grit for digestion; oyster shell for strong shells. |
Egg collection & storage
- Collect daily; remove any broken/soiled bedding from nest boxes.
- Unwashed eggs can be kept at cool room temp in the UK; refrigerate if washed.
- Label egg dates during holidays so you know what was laid when.
Daily health checks (red flags)
What we look for
- Bright eyes, clean nostrils, normal posture and interest in food.
- Feet/legs sound; no limp; perches used normally at dusk.
- Vent clean; droppings normal; no signs of mites on perches.
Red flags (contact your vet)
- Lethargy, fluffed posture, not eating/drinking, isolated from flock.
- Blue/pale comb, open-mouth breathing, sudden drop in eggs.
- Wounds/pecking injuries; heavy mite load or crawling insects on birds.
Weather: heat, cold, and wet
- Hot spells: shade over runs, extra waterers, frozen bottles in trays, good airflow.
- Cold snaps: deep, dry bedding; draft-free coop; no damp; avoid over-sealing vents.
- Rain/wind: dry area for feed; check guttering/covers; remove standing water.
Cleanliness & biosecurity
We use clean footwear and wash hands between jobs. During any regional disease controls, we’ll follow the latest guidance on housing and hygiene that you provide (foot dips, dedicated tools, etc.).
Our visit routine (holiday plan)
- Unlock/lock coop at agreed times (or verify auto-door status).
- Top-up feed and refresh water; scrub if needed.
- Collect and date eggs; leave where you prefer.
- Quick flock head-count and health / predator check (mesh, latches, holes).
- Photo note sent after each visit. Extra cleans on request.
Keywords we cover: chicken sitter Saltaire, backyard flock checks, egg collection Saltaire.
Book a chicken sitter in Saltaire
We keep things calm and consistent: feed, water, eggs, doors and a quick welfare check—exactly how you do it.
Related reads
Need flock checks while you’re away?
Local, insured and DBS checked. Photo note after every visit.