{"activityType":[{"id":38380,"name":"Outdoor skills"},{"id":38377,"name":"Practical skills"}],"activityCategory":"Activity","completionTime":"60","cost":"\u00A3\u00A3\u00A3","energy":"Focusing","equipmentList":[{"id":38295,"name":"Pens or pencils","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38301,"name":"Sticky tack","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38318,"name":"Permanent markers","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38352,"name":"Rulers","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Craft materials, including scissors, big sheets of card and coloured card","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Clean recycled materials, including cardboard and oasis floral foam bricks","type":"specific"}],"adjustments":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you don\u2019t want to care for your own chickens, or aren\u2019t able to, look into community farms and see if there\u2019s one nearby where the group could help out.\u003C/p\u003E","firstProvidedBy":"Chicken Dan Nixon","flexibilityStatement":"\u003Cp\u003EThere are no set designs or concepts for how a chicken coop should look. As long as there are the key elements of light, ventilation, levelled areas and food/water, you can make the coop work for your needs. For example, have a longer corridor and ramps for wheelchair users, and alter the perch and nest boxes to bring them to an appropriate height.\u003C/p\u003E","groupSize":"Teams","guide":null,"meetsRequirements":[{"notes":"\u003Cp\u003EYou could:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003Elook after farm animals or birds, and learn how they should be housed, fed and bred as well as their economic uses. Show how to handle them safely and learn about animal welfare.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003Emanage a hive. Bring in some of the honey you produce.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E","subRequirementsToQualify":0,"numberOfTimeToComplete":0,"subRequirements":null,"tips":null,"optional":false,"id":45936,"nodeName":null,"title":null,"type":"","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":null,"searchDescription":null,"subHeader":null,"browserTitle":null,"silktide":null,"canonicalUrl":null}],"countsTowardsBadges":[{"title":"Farming","sections":["Scouts"],"supportedBy":null,"badgeType":{"id":39282,"name":"Activity"},"activityTypes":[],"settings":[],"browserTitle":"Scouts Farming Activity Badge","url":"/scouts/activity-badges/farming/","id":45649,"nodeName":"Farming","type":"badge","image":{"url":"/media/4398/activity-sc-farming.png","caption":"Activity Sc Farming","type":"png","size":12092,"width":347,"height":350,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Farming","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTY0OSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/scouts/activity-badges/farming/"}],"outcome":[{"id":38385,"name":"Value the outdoors","outcomeLabel":"Value the outdoors","outcomeDescription":"Enjoy being outside, feel comfortable in nature, and feel connected to the natural environment."},{"id":38388,"name":"Live healthily","outcomeLabel":"Live healthily","outcomeDescription":"Gain awareness and practical skills to take care of your body and mind."}],"preparation":null,"preparationTime":"30","reflection":"\u003Cp\u003ECarve some floral oasis into the rough shape of a chicken using a palette knife, then cut some feather shapes from different colours of card. Gather together and discuss this question: \u2018Why is traditional at-home chicken farming better than large scale industrial farming?\u2019 Everyone should write their answers onto the card features and stick into the oasis chicken. People might suggest that at-home farming: guarantees a truly free-range practice, or that it gives you the opportunity to bond with your chickens and increase their happiness, or that it allows you to make sure the birds have a good balance of mixed corn and green plants in their diet.\u003C/p\u003E","relatedActivities":null,"setting":[{"id":38378,"name":"Outdoors"},{"id":38381,"name":"Indoors"}],"supportedBy":null,"takingItFurther":"\u003Cp\u003EWhy not design an egg box to sell your particular brand of eggs? Consider how you might publicise that you\u2019re selling free-range eggs, and what might encourage customers to buy them. This activity can count towards your \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/scouts/activity-badges/media-relations-marketing/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Media Relations \u0026amp; Marketing\u0022\u003EScouts Media Relations and Marketing Activity Badge\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","whoIsItFor":"","youthShapedGuidance":"\u003Cp\u003EThe National Farmers Union, National Federation of Young Farmers\u2019 Clubs and The Poultry Club have lots of guidance to support young people taking the lead in farming.\u003C/p\u003E","activityTags":[{"id":38550,"name":"Animals"},{"id":38551,"name":"Farming"}],"roles":[{"id":39232,"name":"Parents"},{"id":38724,"name":"Section Teams"},{"id":39231,"name":"Helpers"},{"id":38725,"name":"Young Leaders"}],"sections":[{"name":"Explorers","id":39276,"logo":"","colour":null,"ageRange":""},{"name":"Scouts","id":39275,"logo":"","colour":null,"ageRange":""}],"themes":[{"id":38417,"name":"Outdoor skills"},{"id":38435,"name":"Care"},{"id":38465,"name":"Gardening"}],"searchEngineDescription":"You are what you eat, so find out how best to keep poultry and get some egg-cellent food from your blissful brood.","plannerTimeSlot":60.000000,"safetyAlerts":[{"title":"Outdoor activities","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Animals and insects","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EBe aware of the risks before interacting with animals. Be aware of anyone with allergies, and make alternative arrangements for them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Heavy and awkward objects","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ENever lift or move heavy or awkward items alone. Ask for help or, if possible, break them down into smaller parts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Gardening and nature","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EEveryone must wash their hands after the activity has finished. Wear gloves if needed. Explain how to safely use equipment and set clear boundaries so everyone knows what\u2019s allowed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Rubbish and recycling","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAll items should be clean and suitable for this activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Food","alert":"\u003Cp\u003ERemember to check for allergies, eating problems, fasting or dietary requirements and adjust the recipe as needed. \u003Cspan\u003EMake sure you\u2019ve suitable areas for storing and preparing food and avoid cross contamination of different foods. Take a look at our\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/keeping-safe-at-camp/guidance-for-food-safety/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for food safety\u0022\u003Eguidance on food safety and hygiene\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Near water","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EManage groups carefully when near water. The \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/#9.13\u0022 title=\u00229. Activities\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.13\u0022\u003Eguidance on activities near water\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E will help you to keep your group safe. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"}],"safetyAlert":"","safetyTags":[],"deliveryMethods":"","permitRequired":false,"scoutLedQualifications":[],"guidance":null,"aalaRequired":false,"externalQualifications":[],"exceptions":[],"listingVideoUrl":"","disableBasicSafetyChecklist":false,"likes":0,"activitiesAdditionalInfo":{"inclusivityStatement":"\u003Cp\u003EAll Scout activities should be \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/supporting-those-with-additional-needs-and-neurodiversity/reasonable-adjustments/badges-and-awards/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance on flexibility\u0022\u003Einclusive and accessible.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","standardSafetyAlert":"\u003Cp\u003EAll activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Lead Volunteers\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, and have suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must run your activities in line with the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003ESafeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card)\u003C/a\u003E and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E","basicChecklist":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EComplete a \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHave the right \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/adult-to-young-people-ratios/\u0022 title=\u0022Adult to Young People ratios\u0022\u003Eratios\u003C/a\u003E of number of adults to provide suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESet up an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safe-scouting-and-emergency-procedures/\u0022 title=\u0022Safe Scouting and Emergency Procedures\u0022\u003EKnow what to do in an emergency\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EShare information with parents and carers with an\u003C/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity information form\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eactivity information\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E form\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGet \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Lead Volunteers\u0022\u003Eapproval from your Lead Volunteer.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","scoutLedAvailable":"\u003Cp\u003EThis activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:\u003C/p\u003E","permitRequired":"\u003Cp\u003EThe activity leader must have an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/activity-permit-scheme/adventurous-activity-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme\u0022\u003Eadventurous activities permit\u003C/a\u003E with the right level and permissions for your group.\u003C/p\u003E","externallyLedAvailable":"\u003Cp\u003EYou can go to a centre or use an activity leader who\u0027s not part of Scouts:\u003C/p\u003E","aalaRequired":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/index.htm\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022AALA licence\u0022\u003EAn AALA licence is required\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","aalaExempt":"\u003Cp\u003EIf the provider is exempt from the AALA licence.\u003C/p\u003E","publicLiabilityInsurance":"\u003Cp\u003EThe provider must have public liability insurance.\u003C/p\u003E","actvityLink":"/activities/"},"duration":60,"instructions":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EBefore you begin\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThis activity is intended to help prepare anyone working towards their \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/scouts/activity-badges/farming/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Farming\u0022\u003EScouts Farming Activity Badge\u003C/a\u003E for the minimum three-month period they\u2019ll need to look after their poultry for. This should give those working on the badge plenty of time to demonstrate what they\u2019ve learned from this activity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPrint and cut out enough \u2018Rule the roost\u2019 cards for small groups to have one set each.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPrint and cut out enough \u2018Chicken coop labels\u2019 for small groups to have one set each.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENew chick in town\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENew chickens should be quarantined in their coop for at least two weeks. 30-60 days isolation is the ideal length of time for this. This is to prevent the spread of any diseases they might be carrying when they arrive. Keep an eye on them and help them grow familiar with their new home. \u003Cbr /\u003EEgg-stra credit.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen chickens first start laying, the eggs could be found almost anywhere in the coop. They might be laid in the nest box or even beneath the structure of the coop itself. The location is usually somewhere the bird feels safe, like somewhere warm and dark. Be sure to check thoroughly for eggs the first few times. Thereafter, chickens will usually lay in the same place as they did previously.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETest the freshness of eggs by putting them in a container of water. If the egg floats, it\u2019s fresh. If the eggs sinks, air pockets have begun to develop around the white of the egg, meaning it\u2019s starting to go off.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe yolk colour tells you a lot about the chicken who laid the egg. Dullish yellow yolks are produced by chickens who are unhappy, short of nutrients and that\u2019ve been cooped up too long. Vibrant orange yolks are from happy hens who\u2019ve had space to run around, green grass and plenty of nutrients. Basically, the brighter, the better.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWrinkly shells and runny whites indicate a lack of calcium in the chicken\u2019s diet. It could also be a result of diseases like Infectious Bronchitis (IB), which even when cured can result in wrinkly-shelled eggs. The good news is that they\u2019re still safe to eat.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou might get lucky and come across a double-yolker. These occur completely at random, and if fertilised and incubated probably wouldn\u2019t hatch.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChick-onomics\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA pure-breed chicken might be worth \u00A315-20. There aren\u2019t many rules regarding the sale of chickens. The audience for pure breed chickens could be: people who want chickens for their back garden, care homes who\u2019d like some \u2018different company\u2019 for their residents, or exhibitors who travel across the country showing pure-breed poultry.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETo sell chicken eggs, you may need to register with DEFRA and make sure to comply with their regulations. For instance, you wouldn\u2019t be allowed to feed food scraps to laying birds, as you can\u2019t guarantee what you\u2019re putting into the eggs. A good half dozen eggs could sell for up to \u00A32.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"A word about birds"}]},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMake sure that you know everything you need to care for chickens, including how to purchase them. Head over to The Poultry Club\u2019s website, where you should find all the information you\u2019ll need.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"The Poultry Club","id":null,"url":"https://www.poultryclub.org/","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EChoose your chicken\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESplit into small groups of two to six people, and give each a set of \u2018Rule the roost\u2019 cards. Explain that you\u2019ll be playing a game to explore how different breeds of chicken lay different types and amounts of eggs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk a volunteer to shuffle and deal out the cards evenly, face-down, to each player. Players should hold their cards in a stack so that they can only see the topmost card.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe player to the dealer\u2019s left should play first. They should read out a stat from their top card (for example, \u2018Number of toes - five\u2019). All other players should then read out the same stat.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe player with the best or highest value wins that round. They should take all the top cards, including their own, and put them at the bottom of their deck.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Caside\u003EIf two or more cards share the best value, or data isn\u2019t available, then all the cards are placed in the middle and the player should read out the same stat from their next card. The winner of this round takes the cards in the middle as well.\u003C/aside\u003E\n\u003Col start=\u00225\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe winning player then chooses a stat from the next card in their pile. Continue in this way until one player holds all of the cards.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Caside\u003EIf you need to finish a game quickly, you can play the \u2018discard rule\u2019, which means any losing card is simply removed from the game. The last person left with cards in their hand, wins.\u003C/aside\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake a model coop a home\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Col start=\u00221\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECome to an agreement on the kind of chickens the group will be keeping, using what they\u2019ve learned from the top trumps. When this is agreed, everyone can start thinking about how they\u2019ll be housed. Switch into new groups of the same size, and give each group some scrap cardboard, scissors, sticky tack and a set of \u2018Chicken coop labels\u2019.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGroups should work together to create a model chicken coop from the cardboard, and label the different elements with the \u2018Chicken coop labels\u2019. Not all of the items on labels are needed, or should be used, so groups will need to think carefully about how they design a cosy coop that keeps their breed happy and healthy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen the coops are complete, gather together and take it in turns to share designs. Each group should explain each of the features of their coop model.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe person leading the activity should use the information below to comment on the labels the groups have chosen and suggest changes where necessary.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWindows.\u003C/strong\u003E Let light into the coop to keep the chickens upbeat and positive. Windows are particularly important in winter, when chickens are likely to spend more time in their coops and need perking up.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELightbulbs.\u003C/strong\u003E We don\u2019t recommend installing these, as it\u2019s better to expose chickens to natural, outdoor light as much as possible. Also, in some countries, lightbulbs are used to replicate daylight and trick chickens into laying more eggs than they naturally would.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAccess points.\u003C/strong\u003E As well as being a way to let light into the coop, lots of access points keep the coop well-ventilated and give the chickens a variety of ways to get in and out. These will all need a door, to keep foxes and other vermin out.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESlacks on the walls.\u003C/strong\u003E These are another great way to ventilate the coop, as they keep the air flowing and reduce carbon dioxide levels, humidity and mould growth.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMechanical fans.\u003C/strong\u003E Some people use these for increased ventilation, but with enough slacks, windows and access points, they aren\u2019t necessary. Also, they require an electricity source, which you may not have easy access to in your allotment, garden or field.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA perch (such as a timber batten).\u003C/strong\u003E Chickens like to sleep off the ground, as it makes them feel safe from predators.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESawdust, shavings, hay or straw.\u003C/strong\u003E Line the coop with this natural bedding to make it comfortable. In the winter, insulate the coop by placing more of this down.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENest box.\u003C/strong\u003E This should be somewhere dark and high up. It could be made from two bricks placed parallel to one other, with the middle area lined with a cosy bundle of sawdust or hay, so the chicken can snuggle up.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHanging feeders\u003C/strong\u003E. These should be elevated, to prevent vermin and the birds leaving waste in their food, and are typically filled with mixed corn or grains.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHanging drinkers.\u003C/strong\u003E These should be filled with water and should also be high up.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETimber hut.\u003C/strong\u003E Timber is the traditional material used for coops; however, with a timber structure, you\u2019re more likely to attract mites (which are basically nits for chickens). They can be very difficult to get rid of.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlastic hut.\u003C/strong\u003E These have risen in popularity as models like the Eglu are recyclable, energy efficient, convertible and easy to clean.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETrench with a fence.\u003C/strong\u003E You don\u2019t need a fence as chickens are very territorial, so they\u2019ll prefer to stay close to home. However, to avoid vermin accessing the chickens\u2019 outdoor space, you could dig a trench and fill it with chicken wire, coarse gravel or a mixture of both, then put up a fence around the area. This will keep out vermin, as they typically dig down to get into the coop. When they do, they\u2019ll be barred by the chicken wire.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Could your coop cope?"}]}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake a three-month chicklist\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Col start=\u00221\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAnyone working towards their Farmer Activity Badge needs to look after chickens for at least three months. Now that you\u2019ve found the birds and sorted the coop design, explain that it\u2019s time to make a care plan for looking after the brood.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESwitch into the groups (or pairs) that\u2019ll be responsible for the chickens. Some people might be working individually. Give each one a big sheet of card, coloured marker pens and a ruler.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDraw a vertical line down the card, left of centre. Draw two evenly-spaced horizontal lines across the card, to create a table with two columns and three rows.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Caside\u003EThis will just be a checklist. If individuals or groups have better, suitable ideas of ways to map out their tasks, perhaps involving some tech or an app, they can use these.\u003C/aside\u003E\n\u003Col start=\u00224\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn each row of the small left-hand column, label the boxes:\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli style=\u0022list-style-type: none;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAs often as possible\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDaily\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWeekly\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Col start=\u00225\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENow, fill in the right-hand side column with the tasks that need to be completed in these timeframes. Some examples can be found below.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAs much as often\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EChickens are a bit like guinea pigs in terms of the care they require. You should be spending roughly an hour a day looking after them. Here are some of the things you need to do regularly to keep your chickens happy and healthy:\u003Cbr\u003EAs often as possible\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGive them a cuddle. Frequent handling of your chickens is really important, as it\u2019ll make them calmer and friendlier. To hold a chicken, pick them up with both hands and hold them gently (don\u2019t squeeze), with their wing facing your chest. If you\u2019re nervous about handling them, you could just pop a chair near their coop and sit with them \u2013 they\u2019ll soon get to know you.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck they\u2019re healthy. Their faces should be bright and colourful (typically red). Their feathers should be full and without bald patches, outside of molting season (between May and August, or any period of hot, stuffy weather). They should seem perky and eager to explore, and should wait by their access point to be let out first thing in the morning.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDaily\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the morning, let them outside and then head into the coop to collect any eggs. It\u2019s important to collect eggs regularly, as if they\u2019re left in the coop they might get trampled on, or eaten by the chickens.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETop up the feeders with a standard mix of corn and the drinkers with tap water. The chickens will also eat green plants when out and about, as well as worms. Some people add food scraps to the feeders; however, if you do this, you won\u2019t be able to sell the chickens\u2019 eggs, as it\u2019s against \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supplying-and-using-animal-by-products-as-farm-animal-feed\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Supplying and using animal by-products as farm animal feed\u0022\u003EDEFRA standards\u003C/a\u003E. It\u2019s also worth noting that the water is likely to freeze in the winter, so you could add in some apple cider vinegar if it\u2019s particularly cold out and it\u2019ll stop the water from freezing!\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the evening, lock them back up. You could get an automatic door closer \u2013 once it gets dark, they know the hut is their safe place and they\u2019ll head inside themselves.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWeekly\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EClean out the coop, disposing of the soiled shavings and dust. You could use this as manure for your plants, if you want. Replenish with fresh straw or hay.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck for any access points for vermin. Block them up as soon as you can with a sturdy material such as timber or metal. An adult may need to help with this.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Typical tasks"}]}]}],"config":null}]},"ownerAuthor":null,"porRules":null,"id":45937,"nodeName":"Put your pecks in order","title":"Put your pecks in order","type":"activity","image":{"url":"/media/13503/bird-collage-01.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db821867cdd410","caption":"Bird Collage 01","type":"png","size":201400,"width":4800,"height":2700,"altText":"A collage of different illustrated birds."},"assets":[{"id":19382,"url":"/media/10451/put-your-pecks-in-order-rule-the-roost.pdf","caption":"Rule the roost","type":"pdf","size":532660},{"id":19381,"url":"/media/10450/put-your-pecks-in-order-chicken-coop-labels.pdf","caption":"Chicken coop labels","type":"pdf","size":1902336}],"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Put your pecks in order","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"You are what you eat, so find out how best to keep poultry and get some egg-cellent food from your blissful brood.","subHeader":"You are what you eat, so find out how best to keep poultry and get some egg-cellent food from your blissful brood.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTkzNyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/put-your-pecks-in-order/"}