- Nov 30, 2012
- 57
- 74
- 78
Fresh eggs each day may be a practical option, depending on your city ordinances.
Backyard chickens are becoming one of today’s hottest pets. Big names including Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Oprah – and most recently a contestant on The Bachelor – have helped terms like #chickenenthusiast trend, bringing fame to the ‘pets with benefits’ category.
But backyard birds are not just for celebrities. Today’s estimates show that more than 1 million U.S. families enjoy the fresh, wholesome eggs and undeniable companionship of backyard chickens.
These benefits are just for families who live in the country, right? Surprisingly not. Gordon Ballam, Ph.D., a flock nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, says that backyard chickens can make excellent additions to a family – no matter where you live.
“We’re seeing an explosion of backyard chickens in both urban and rural areas,” he says. “We have flock customers on all ends of the spectrum, including families with free-range birds in South Dakota and those with small flocks of chickens in Austin, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. With the right management and care, backyard chickens can do well almost anywhere.”
When considering raising backyard chickens, first determine if they are allowed in your area. Many townships, villages and cities have embraced the benefits of backyard flocks; however, chicken keeping is not yet permitted everywhere.
To determine if a backyard flock is accepted in your area, follow these steps:
1. Connect with your local government.
“To be certain chickens are permitted or if possible restrictions appear in your area, contact your local government officials,” Ballam recommends.
Begin the discussion by calling a member of your local planning board, county clerk or animal control representative. Contact information for the correct person can typically be located on your city’s website.
2. Ask the right questions.
Some cities have rules about the size of your flock, coop building or amount of acreage needed per animal.
Ballam recommends asking:
3. Secure a copy of the local ordinances.
To be certain your new members of your family can stay in your family, Ballam encourages securing a copy of the local ordinances and keeping it on file.
4. If chickens are not allowed, empower change.
If chickens are not zoned for by your local government, change is possible by amending local laws. Depending on your area, you may need to fill out various paperwork and attend a local government meeting.
“In this case, the best bet is to be prepared,” says Ballam. “Join forces with other flock enthusiasts in your area to outline the benefits of raising birds and a plan for raising chickens. Oftentimes, showing community support and the benefits are key drivers in adding chickens to a community.”
Many urban communities have a local meet-up or chat groups dedicated to raising backyard chickens. You can find one in your area with a simple online search.
5. Visit with your neighbors.
Once you have the go-ahead to get started, visit your neighbors and share your plans with them.
“It’s always best to share plans in advance and to work together on the project,” Ballam advises. “Describe the benefits, quiet nature and community opportunities of raising chickens. Your neighbors will likely be excited about visiting their new community members.”
6. Design your flock.
Your family should now be ready for one of the most exciting parts of the process: designing the flock.
“There are hundreds of breeds to choose from,” Ballam says. “Determine if you wish to have chickens for eggs, meat or show. Explore the breeds’ personalities, amount of space they need and if they are right for your climate. Then, pick up supplies and start small with a flock of 4 to 6 chicks. Your local Purina retailer is a good resource to help you get started.”
Learn about upcoming Purina Chick Days events and sign-up for tips and coupons by visiting www.PurinaChickDays.com or connect with Purina Poultry on Facebook or Pinterest.
Backyard chickens are becoming one of today’s hottest pets. Big names including Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Oprah – and most recently a contestant on The Bachelor – have helped terms like #chickenenthusiast trend, bringing fame to the ‘pets with benefits’ category.
These benefits are just for families who live in the country, right? Surprisingly not. Gordon Ballam, Ph.D., a flock nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition, says that backyard chickens can make excellent additions to a family – no matter where you live.
“We’re seeing an explosion of backyard chickens in both urban and rural areas,” he says. “We have flock customers on all ends of the spectrum, including families with free-range birds in South Dakota and those with small flocks of chickens in Austin, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. With the right management and care, backyard chickens can do well almost anywhere.”
When considering raising backyard chickens, first determine if they are allowed in your area. Many townships, villages and cities have embraced the benefits of backyard flocks; however, chicken keeping is not yet permitted everywhere.
To determine if a backyard flock is accepted in your area, follow these steps:
1. Connect with your local government.
“To be certain chickens are permitted or if possible restrictions appear in your area, contact your local government officials,” Ballam recommends.
Begin the discussion by calling a member of your local planning board, county clerk or animal control representative. Contact information for the correct person can typically be located on your city’s website.
2. Ask the right questions.
Some cities have rules about the size of your flock, coop building or amount of acreage needed per animal.
Ballam recommends asking:
- How many birds are allowed?
- Are both hens and roosters acceptable?
- Are there rules on where the coop can be built?
- What do I need from my neighbors before starting?
- Do I need a permit to raise chickens and/or build a coop?
- Who can I contact if I have to unexpectedly part ways with my chickens?
3. Secure a copy of the local ordinances.
To be certain your new members of your family can stay in your family, Ballam encourages securing a copy of the local ordinances and keeping it on file.
4. If chickens are not allowed, empower change.
If chickens are not zoned for by your local government, change is possible by amending local laws. Depending on your area, you may need to fill out various paperwork and attend a local government meeting.
“In this case, the best bet is to be prepared,” says Ballam. “Join forces with other flock enthusiasts in your area to outline the benefits of raising birds and a plan for raising chickens. Oftentimes, showing community support and the benefits are key drivers in adding chickens to a community.”
Many urban communities have a local meet-up or chat groups dedicated to raising backyard chickens. You can find one in your area with a simple online search.
5. Visit with your neighbors.
Once you have the go-ahead to get started, visit your neighbors and share your plans with them.
“It’s always best to share plans in advance and to work together on the project,” Ballam advises. “Describe the benefits, quiet nature and community opportunities of raising chickens. Your neighbors will likely be excited about visiting their new community members.”
6. Design your flock.
Your family should now be ready for one of the most exciting parts of the process: designing the flock.
“There are hundreds of breeds to choose from,” Ballam says. “Determine if you wish to have chickens for eggs, meat or show. Explore the breeds’ personalities, amount of space they need and if they are right for your climate. Then, pick up supplies and start small with a flock of 4 to 6 chicks. Your local Purina retailer is a good resource to help you get started.”
Learn about upcoming Purina Chick Days events and sign-up for tips and coupons by visiting www.PurinaChickDays.com or connect with Purina Poultry on Facebook or Pinterest.
Last edited:
