Chicken secrets

Owning chickens comes with more surprises than you might expect. From daring escapes to bedtime demands, these feathered friends are full of quirks. Cara Wheeldon shares the lessons learned from years of poultry keeping

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When you first decide to keep chickens, big or small, you imagine little fluffy hens peacefully pecking around the garden and providing fresh, tasty eggs every morning. What no one tells you, however, is that chickens are full of surprises—and more often than not, a major handful. Over the years, my family's flock has taught me to expect the unexpected and, most importantly, never to underestimate a chicken (especially the bantam variety.)

First off, let's talk about their talent for escape artistry. Chickens are not content to simply stay put. They will find a way to sneak out of their coop and explore the world—whether it is a casual stroll down the street or an adventurous leap into the neighbour's garden to terrorise unsuspecting pets.