First timer in need some opinions

[AZBL]

Hello all, thisnis my first time posting to this forum. My main question is that I am wanting to know if my backyard would be suitable to raise some backyard chickens. I will attach a photo of the location I am thinking, and I want to know what you all think. As the picture shows, the space is quite narrow. I'm open for any type of feedback. Thanks!

 

[MillersFarm]

This is a very small space for just a couple of chickens... Chickens love to wonder around and forage in grass. I would suggest selecting a more spaced out area with grass in it... you could get some bantams which are a smaller breed of chickens if your not in it for the egg laying though...

 

[Lady of McCamley]

First, look to your city ordinances to see if you can keep chickens, and if so, what the set backs are for your property and any built structures as you will need a coop.

Without knowing actual dimensions, your space looks small but possible for a very small flock, such as 2 or 3 birds, and a small coop which could be set on the far end with the birds foraging the full length of the side.

You would need to add some grass patches and be prepared for a lot of chicken poo that will need to be removed or composted regularly.

You would also need to consider some netting to prevent birds from fence hopping.

I would recommend going small size with bantams such as Cochins or Silkies as they are quieter and calmer. I think D'Uccles are pretty tame. I'd avoid game bantams as they really like to fly.

But, first and foremost, check your ordinances and your neighbors as they are so close. They will get chicken noises, and your set backs are really, really close.

It may prove to be a bit of a tight squeeze...but again we would need to know actual dimensions of the space.

My thoughts.
LofMc

 

[B Redhawk]

I'd measure that space then divide by 15 to get the number of chickens that will be comfortable in the space. With no grass, remove the gravel and lay down some straw or wood chip mulch and water that so some worms will come there for the chickens to scratch and find. While bantams ae smaller, they still need space to wander around but I think you could get away with dividing your sq. feet by 10 for bantams.

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

I would second the bantam idea. You would have to net them in or clip their wings, because they are flying buggers, but hey, less poo more fun!

I also want to stress that you get a docile breed, especially because it is your first chickens. Cochin bantams are bigger than your average bantam, and need constant run cleaning to keep their boots in good condition. But I've heard that they're super docile.

Orpington bantams have clean legs and are also friendly.

Or you could do what I did and go for egg color. Get as many different 'eggers as you want. Olive eggers, easter eggers, and my favorite: dark brown eggers!

 

[AZBL]

I do have quite a bit if grass in my backyard. I could post a picture tomorrow since I'm at work right now. So, I'm assuming I could have the area on the side of the house to keep them in during the night, but have it open during the day so they could roam around? Also, i have 2 sulcata tortoises and 2 dogs which use the backyard, so I would have to figure something out with my dogs. Thank you for all of the great info so far!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I do have quite a bit if grass in my backyard. I could post a picture tomorrow since I'm at work right now. So, I'm assuming I could have the area on the side of the house to keep them in during the night, but have it open during the day so they could roam around? Also, i have 2 sulcata tortoises and 2 dogs which use the backyard, so I would have to figure something out with my dogs. Thank you for all of the great info so far!

You could make a lovely coop area in that side spot (with set back permission, if applicable) then let them roam in a yard. Many of us do that.

Dogs can be trained, but never leave a dog out with a chicken until they are trustworthy. Start with them on leash at all times.

Not familiar with tortoises. Only concern would be salmonella transference to the chickens which could enter the eggs. I'd check on any other parasite or disease transference just in case.

Bantam Cochins and Silkies kept on bark dust/chips are fine. I've never had a problem with them on that, and I get lots of rain in Oregon.

Plain dirt, yeah, that becomes mud. Grass is grass until they kill it grazing, then that too becomes mud, so you'll need to be prepared for some of that. Although our first year, our lawn looked great with the chicken aeration and fertilizing schedule. Then we got more birds and killed the lawn. Oh well...I like chickens better than lawn anyway.

Happy breed hunting
LofMc

 

[Lazy Farmer]

You may need to consider a rain gutter? It looks like the house roof may drain there. Also your neighbor is close to the clucking noise of egg production.
Just my 2¢.

 

[mobius]

All good advice and consider "deep litter" along the side of thehouse for chickens to scratch in....it would be a good run especially if they can get on grass around your house. You can do a search for deep litter...leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, pine cones, etc and the chickens will relish digging in it and spreading it for you.

I think the gravel would be fine for an underlayment of deep litter for drainage. Second the idea of a gutter...you dont want a swampy mess...