Backyard chickens
Overview
Raising backyard chickens involves keeping a small flock of chickens, typically in a residential setting, primarily for egg production, and sometimes for meat. It's a popular hobby that provides fresh eggs, pest control, fertilizer, and educational opportunities. Key considerations include local regulations, space requirements, coop setup, breed selection, daily care (feeding, watering, cleaning), predator protection, and managing chicken health.
Investment
Initial costs include purchasing chicks or hens, building or buying a coop, feeders, waterers, and initial feed supply. Ongoing costs involve feed, bedding, potential veterinary care, and coop maintenance. Costs vary greatly depending on flock size, coop complexity, and local prices.
General Requirements
- Space: Adequate space for the coop and an outdoor run (at least 2-4 sq ft per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 sq ft per chicken in the run).
- Coop: Secure, predator-proof shelter with roosting bars, nesting boxes (1 per 3-4 hens), proper ventilation, and protection from elements.
- Legal: Check local zoning ordinances and HOA rules regarding flock size limits, coop placement, and roosters.
- Time Commitment: Daily feeding, watering, egg collection, and regular cleaning.
How to Raise Backyard Chickens
Start by researching breeds suitable for your climate and needs (egg production, temperament). Acquire chicks from a reputable hatchery or hens from a local farmer. Provide appropriate brooding conditions for chicks if starting young. Introduce them to the coop gradually. Establish a routine for care and monitor their health.
How to Feed and Care for Backyard Chickens
Provide a balanced commercial layer feed appropriate for their age. Supplement with safe kitchen scraps, greens, and calcium sources (like oyster shells) for laying hens. Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water. Keep the coop clean by regularly removing droppings and changing bedding (e.g., pine shavings, straw) to prevent disease and pests. Perform regular health checks.
Reward of Having Backyard Chickens
The primary reward is a consistent supply of fresh, often more nutritious eggs. Chickens also help control insects, produce valuable manure for gardens, and can be entertaining pets. Raising chickens can foster a connection to food sources and provide educational experiences for families.
- Transition to layer feed at the right time to support laying 4
- Expect first eggs between 18 and 24 weeks of age 5
- Know that breed determines laying age significantly 4
- Understand that daylight hours trigger and sustain egg production 4
- Minimize stress to prevent delayed laying 3
- Watch for physical signs that laying is imminent 3
- Secure all latches and doors against raccoons 5
- Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire 5
- Lock chickens inside the coop from dusk to dawn 5
- Bury wire or install an apron around the run perimeter 4
- Cover the outdoor run to block aerial predators 4
- Elevate the coop off the ground 3
- Install motion-activated lights or deterrent devices 3
- Review HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) 5
- Search your municipality's website for poultry ordinances 5
- Contact your local zoning or code enforcement department directly 5
- Check rooster restrictions specifically 5
- Understand coop setback requirements from property lines 4
- Check county regulations if you live in an unincorporated area 4
- Treat bumblefoot with soaking and wound care 4
- Treat external parasites (mites and lice) 5
- Prevent Marek's disease with day-old vaccination 5
- Treat coccidiosis with Amprolium (Corid) 4
- Manage respiratory infections with isolation and veterinary care 4
- Treat egg binding with warmth, calcium, and lubrication 3
- Provide ample shade in the run (summer) 5
- Keep cool, fresh water available at all times (summer) 5
- Maximize coop ventilation year-round 5
- Use the deep litter method for winter warmth 4
- Install wide, flat roosts for winter frostbite prevention 4
- Avoid heat lamps in the coop (winter) 4
- Offer frozen treats for cooling relief (summer) 3
- Provide constant access to fresh, clean water 5
- Limit scratch grains and treats to 10% of daily intake 4
- Feed commercial layer feed with 16% protein as the primary diet 5
- Offer free-choice calcium in a separate dish 5
- Consider fermenting layer feed for improved nutrition 3
- Offer insoluble grit for confined hens 4
- White Leghorn — prolific white egg layer 4
- Rhode Island Red — reliable brown eggs and hardiness 5
- Barred Plymouth Rock — steady eggs with a docile nature 5
- Australorp — record-setting egg production with calm demeanor 5
- Speckled Sussex — friendly and curious with good production 4
- Easter Egger — colorful blue, green, and olive eggs 4