BYC members in Massachusetts?

Pics
Scrolling back to posts. Licensing of dogs is mandatory, it is to make sure they are up to date on rabies shots. Cats are mandated to have rabies shots.

I guess a wealthy area like Martha's Vineyard, it seems like something is awry with funding.
 
I'm in Medford, MA. Last year I called City Hall about keeping chickens and they said no. I found out through this site that pet chickens are exempted. So, Local Folks, what do I need to know about chickens in this area? How do you manage with Medford's small yards? I've never kept chickens, but am an avid gardener (I want the manure!) and I want the eggs. Advice and resources, please!?
 
You are now consumed by the chicken bug. I live further out and have a few chickens. WE love them and have favs that come in the house.

CHickens can and will detroy your plants. But you love them so much you won't mind.

Flying and climbing gets them anywhere they want to go but mostly they run on the ground.

Have a safe place to keep them cooped, with a run big enough to play in. This means make it bigger than you think you should.
wink.png


Start with a few and stay with a few as you are keeping them as pets. THey have personalities too and some get along better than others. In small quarters, easy going temperaments. If you go rhode Island Reds, get all RIR. They can be tough and biters. Love them anyway.

Some breeds make better pets than others. Since you want eggs, think Orpingtons. Or Sussex. The hatcheries have buff orpingtons and speckled sussex. Other varieties are available thu private breeders. MyPetchicken.com has a selection feature that is fun and useful to try to understand each breed is a little different. You are better off with a dual purpose aka heritage types. Some chickens are rather like a wild bird compared to others. Use "docile" in the selector.

Check the coop section for ingenious designs.

Keep reading BYC. Many people here to share with and willing to help. I've been reading and live here for a year.

DH adopted our first hen from the BOston area. So good luck and I hope you enjoy your chicken adventures.
 
Last edited:
Hi,
i am so happy to have stumbled on this Massachusetts thread. I am North of Boston, in Rowley. I have a small flock of chickens and am thinking about baby chicka again this year. I always enjoy thinking about them way ahead of time. Seriously considering incubating some and seeing how that goes... Have never done it.
 
I'm in Medford, MA. Last year I called City Hall about keeping chickens and they said no. I found out through this site that pet chickens are exempted. So, Local Folks, what do I need to know about chickens in this area? How do you manage with Medford's small yards? I've never kept chickens, but am an avid gardener (I want the manure!) and I want the eggs. Advice and resources, please!?


You may want to consider going to a local swap.... lots of great folks with lots of knowledge.... and there are chickens for sale, as well. Here is a couple of links:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-swap-in-tyngsborough-ma-3-18-12#post_8438375

www.neasociety.com
 
Hi Rowley, I'm a neighbor in Groveland. Lots of chicken owners up this way. Topsfield Fair is a great place to meet some as well as the FFA auction in the fall at the fairgrounds.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom