How to Keep Chickens in the City

Up until World War II, families often kept a small flock of chickens in the backyard. Chickens provide obvious benefits such as eggs, insect control and manure to use in the garden, but chickens also make entertaining pets. Much to the surprise of many, cities all across the country allow homeowners to keep chickens. Chickens are easy to care for and don't require a lot of space. Just two or three chickens can provide enough eggs for a small family.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• City laws that allow chickens
• Chicken coop
• Fencing
• Waterer
• Feeder
• Food
• Scratch
• Grit
• Bedding
• Chicks or pullets

1. Decide if you have time and space to dedicate to caring for chickens. You will need to spend about 10 minutes a day tending to your flock. Chickens need a coop and room to roam and scratch; generally, plan on 10-square-feet per chicken.

2. Contact your city zoning office or look up your city ordinances on municode.com to determine if chickens are allowed. For neighborhoods that have an organized homeowner's association, call and find out if there are any restrictions on the types of pets allowed.

3. Build your own coop or purchase kits or prefabricated coops. Coops need to include nest boxes, perches, entryways for the chickens, and access for you to collect eggs and clean the coop.

4. Protect your chickens from predators, such as dogs and raccoons, by placing the coop inside a securely fenced area.

5. Learn about the different breeds available and pick one suitable for your area. Some breeds are better suited for cold climates than others.
   

6. Determine if you want to start with chicks or pullets. Chicks will need to be kept indoors and will require special care until they are about 3 months old. Pullets are 5 to 6 months old and will be ready to move right in to their new coop and start laying.

7. Choose a source to buy your chickens from. There are many reputable hatcheries that ship chicks. Local feed stores and farmers will also have chicks and pullets available in the spring.
   

8. Purchase the supplies you will need to care for your chickens: waterer, feeder, food, scratch, grit and bedding. A brooder and a heat source will also be needed in order to raise chicks.

9. Spend time with your new chickens so they get used to you. Hens raised from chicks will be very tame and easily handled. All chickens will learn to anticipate your daily visits and will probably follow you around the yard.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan on keeping only hens and avoiding roosters. Roosters are noisy and usually are not allowed in cities.
• Always buy "sexed" chicks or pullets.
• Tell your neighbors about your new pets and answer any questions or concerns they may have.
• Just for fun, buy a chicken of one of the breeds that lay blue or green eggs.
• Don't feed your chickens citrus fruit peels, bones, garlic, onion, large amounts of meat or any meat that has gone bad.
• Always keep clean, fresh water available. Chickens can quickly dehydrate.
• Clean your chicken coop and yard at least once a week. Your neighbors will complain if your yard starts to stink. Chickens kept properly should not smell.

[ilivetoteach]

on 8/7/2009 I love chickens. I find watching them to be therapuetic. I couldn't believe it when I found out Louisville allows you to have chickens in your residential backyard.