Keeping Chickens in the Backyard

[SoyBean]

I was thinking about possible being a bad person and keep chickens illegally in our backyard. (we live in a two bedroom townhome with a small backyard) I'm about to take measurements of the yard and possibly get a picture or two.

I was wondering, if I can get these measurements and pictures, could someone from this forum help me design a coop for my backyard. Part of my yard belongs to my container garden, but I still have a bit of space for a coop. The pictures could help you all help me figure out how to chicken proof the yard.

What do you think would happen if I got caught with the chickens? We are going to renew our lease on the townhome in November so we'll have the two bedroom for another year and then possibly move up to a three bedroom (these also come with small backyards) for the next year or two. So we will continuously have a small backyard for the next 2-3 years.

 

[poopcoop]

We are Here to HELP!!!!!

I think as long as you don't get a rooster you will stay undetected.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

If it's a townhome directly attached to other units, your neighbors will be MORE than aware of them, even if you just have hens. Hens can put up quite a bit of noise at least once a day. I live on 3/4 of an acre, and a neighbor three houses away has mentioned that she hears our girls.

If your neighbors aren't happy about hen noise, you may be re-homing your chickens before you know it, and that's always sad.

 

[LeeLeesFarm]

___________

I've lived in areas where chickens were not supposed to be ...
I would bribe the neighbors with eggs, if I thought the neighbors were going to be a problem.

Lee

__________

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Could become an issue real fast. My RIR girls "announce" to the world that they have layed an egg. It can go on for a good 5 minutes

 

[fullhouse]

Sure it's illegal? I vote dog house coop.

 

[ratlummountain]

Quote:
just 5 minutes? sheesh you're lucky.

 

[SoyBean]

Our immediate neighbors are rarely home. Other people in the complex break the "pet" rules all the time. There are strict rules against "aggressive breeds" and I've seen at least 3 pitbulls since moving in (not that I consider pitbulls an aggressive breed. Its all in the owner). I actually talked to the manager of the complex about keeping my reptiles (the lease says no reptiles) and she said they were fine as long as they didn't get out.

We can't find our tape measurer, so I'm trying to think of ways to measure the space available. I'm terrible at guessing.

If I did keep chickens in the backyard, would they need to be able to roam around the backyard. If so I'd have to fix the gate myself and cover any holes. I'd guess the fence is at least 6ft tall.

 

[SoyBean]

Just did a rough measuring and the yard is 16x14, with only about 50% of the area actually grass. I can try and take some pictures if you want.

 

[gardener]

They are happier with outdoor places to scratch and look for bugs and peck at weeds and grass and your most precious plants of course. You can section off part of your yard to make a outdoor run.
You might try a few bantam breeds they dont require as much space, eat less and are not as loud as a full size hen but can still make a bunch of cackling around laying time.