chickens on a second story balcony?

[crochetjunkie]

My husband thinks this is a feasible idea.... we have enough space for a container garden and possibly a small coop but don't chickens need a yard? Would ground cover be enough? Anyone have luck with a patio coop.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I can't say about the patio, but chickens don't need a yard. Commercial egg farms keep them in 2x2 cages, people keep them in their house, their are special upright boxes for long tailed breeds. You could pull weeds and grass, buy a bag of kale or a head of lettuce/cabbage for green stuff. A few bantams would probably be okay on a patio, but since its on the second floor I would choose a breed like Silkies or frizzles since they can't fly. Wouldn't want your chickens to accidently pop over the rail up there!
Quail might be another option. Mine were great layers, though the eggs are tiny. I kept mine in a rabbit hutch and they never had access to the ground. The quail themselves are delicious as well.
Good luck!

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Sure, lots of people keep show chickens in rabbit hutches. They'll be OK, even though it's not ideal. Make sure each bird has at least 4 square feet of space and they'll be fine.

 

[roostersandhens]

They would be much happier with a yard. If they dont have a yard they feel bored and cooped up. And if they get out of the coop they could fll off the balcony. It is a cool idea though.