Cuddly Critters

Somethin’ to Flock About!

Backyard Chickens Are All the Rage

By Brie Hellbusch

Chickens are moving into backyards in cities and suburbs across the United States in recent years, as more people become enamored with the idea of raising their own chickens. If you love fresh, healthful eggs, and you’ve always wondered what it would take to raise chickens in your backyard, read on!

The uptick in backyard flocks can be attributed to many factors. Many parents are excited to teach their children the “food to table” concept. Many people love to know where their food comes from, but some individuals prefer to choose how their food is raised. Nothing gives you more control over your food than growing it yourself! Chickens are also excellent food recyclers; they produce nutrient-dense fertilizer for yards and gardens. Additionally, chickens are known for keeping the insect population under control. There’s also no denying that they are entertaining creatures.

There are also many health benefits to raising chickens, including companionship and stress relief. That’s right—just like pets in the house, chickens in the yard can help lower your blood pressure. Perhaps the most popular reason to raise chickens, however, is the enhanced quality of the eggs. Fresh eggs from your own chickens generally taste better than a typical carton of eggs from the store. They will also be more nutritionally beneficial, as they are higher in vitamin E, omega-3s, and beta carotene, while being lower in cholesterol.

There are various breeds of poultry to choose from, and each breed differs in traits like appearance, egg production, temperament, and longevity. One of the more popular options for beginners is the Plymouth Rock breed, which is noted for its black-and-white-striped feathers. These creatures are known for their longevity, easy dispositions, and reliable egg production. Owners can expect roughly 200 brown eggs each year, per chicken.

The Araucana hen, which has distinct tufts at the cheeks and lacks a tail, comes in an impressive range of colors. This breed will lay roughly 150 eggs per year, usually in a country-blue shell. This hen has high energy levels that some owners enjoy, while others find a hassle. The Australorp, on the other hand, is a gentle hen with soft, shiny black feathers. These hens can produce 200 to 300 light-brown eggs annually.

Chickens need food and water daily, and their coop will need to be cleaned often. Hens will lay eggs through spring and summer and into the fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Once winter approaches, egg production might be affected by the colder weather and lack of sunshine. Regardless, owners should expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day. This means that a “chicken sitter” might be necessary when you’re out of town.

Chickens generally live for five to 10 years, and they are most productive during the first two years of their lives. Egg production will slow as they age. For even egg production, consider building a flock over several years, a few chickens at a time.

Many might wonder whether or not they’ll need a rooster if they want to become backyard chicken farmers. The answer is no—in fact, many city ordinances specifically forbid roosters. Cities may also put restrictions on the number of hens per yard. You may also need to pay for a permit, meet housing and fencing requirements, and undergo inspections.

The next step in preparation to chicken ownership is to build a coop. This can be one of the more creative aspects of the project and can consist of some fun design elements. Before honing in on a design, it’s important to figure out the size of the coop you’ll need, which will largely depend on the size and number of chickens.

If you’re handy and creative, you may be able to create a chicken coop from scratch. Many people prefer to purchase a kit. It’s wise to remember that some kits will come with everything, while others will require separate purchases for things like shingles or hardware. If you don’t have the time, skills, or inclination to put together a kit yourself, you can certainly hire a carpenter or decking contractor to get the job done for you. If you want to go all out, hire a designer to create a coop that is truly your own and makes your yard the talk of the neighborhood.

Are you thinking of getting a flock started this year? Consider the companionship, educational opportunities, and healthful eggs you’ll get, and balance those against the responsibilities and local regulations. Raising backyard chickens is not for everyone, but it just might be for you!

Sources for this article included: acreagelife.com, chickenwhisperermagazine.com, and almanac.com.