City dweller wanting the "little chickens"!

[EmBee1110]

I can satisfy 2 out of the 3 city regulations but cannot find 100 ft from my neighbor's house except on the back patio - NOT an option! Between us is a strip that runs along our 2 houses that is unused backyard space for us both. This area is secluded and very quiet. I am a first time BYC novice and I don't know if this will be a long-term interest.

What are some children-friendly chickens that would be welcoming and not squawking when I was near them?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Silkies

 

[EmBee1110]

The Silkies look wonderful but I was hoping for a more common breed - hubby is grouchy about it as it is! He is demanding the least investment for this fly-by-night project...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Orpingtons and Jersey Giants are gentle but are also big.
How about bantam, Australorps, Anconas, Barnevelders or Cochins. You said you wanted little chickens. The first 3 would be good because they're good layers and I assume you want eggs.

 

[tlck68406]

Maybe you should try ducks. They fall under the poultry regulations in most cities. I have two cayugas- very quiet, extremely cute, have a calming affect, and all of the neighbors have fallen in love. My back yard is much more trabquil with them than a chicken could ever be and they are almost guaranteed to melt your hubby's heart! Plus my little girl lays at least five eggs a week- so you still get free breakfast.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's a good idea.
If you want chickens go here http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[EmBee1110]

The 2 other regs are noise and SMELL. My father-in-law lived as a boy with chickens and he rants about cleaning and the SMELL. I see that noise is solved, tell me about the other, Tick.....

 

[EmBee1110]

I like big chickens too, Canoe, that 'little chickens' is said jokingly -- hut hubby is not laughing about it much now!! xD

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Smell is what old timers remember because no one ever cleaned the coops. It is also the reason most cities have setback regulations.
A news crew came to my house to do a story. I have 6 coops. When I opened one the reporter got a strange look on his face. I said, "what's wrong?" He said, "there's no smell". I said, "of course there's no smell if the birds are given enough space and are well cared for".
I encourage city council members who are about to embark on a campaign to limit chickens to visit actual city/suburban coops so they know what they're talking about.

 

[EmBee1110]

Sounds like I am able, and willing to keep them clean as I would hate the smell too!!!!! Looks like I will research all the great suggestions and then bring home the girl's to my husband,s misgivings..