Raising backyard chickens can be such a fun process, especially for the kiddos. There’s not better way to show your children how to be responsible pet owners than with chickens, not to mention getting them started on the road to 4H.
We’ve gathered some useful information on raising chickens both in urban and rural settings. However, before you decide to start raising your backyard chickens, be sure to check with the local chicken laws and ordinances. Urban areas will have much stricter regulations regarding livestock than rural areas and there may be fees involved.
Benefits to raising backyard chickens
- Easy and inexpensive to maintain
- Nutritious, fresh eggs
- Weed control that is chemical-free
- Natural fertilizer and compost with high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- A safer and healthier alternative to factory farmed products, where you know what went into the meat and eggs.
Urban Chickens
Raising chickens in an urban or suburban neighborhood is becoming a popular trend. Check out these tips on raising chickens in the city:
Here are a few tips on how to raise chickens:
- If you are in the city, let the chickens out a few days a week for at least half an hour before dark.
- Plan for plenty of ventilation on several sides of the hen house. Circulating air will prevent many diseases and help things dry out.
- A general rule of thumb is to figure 4 square feet of space per bird for the coop, and 8 square feet of space per bird for the run.
- Pine shavings & corn cob bedding is best. Stay clear of newspaper since it doesn’t absorb well and is slippery underfoot.
- Play with your chicks when young to get the use to being around people.
