Urban farmer looking to add some backyard laying hens

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! glad you joined us!

 

[DLMKA]

Thanks for all the replies and breed suggestions. I'll continue to research and consult the neighbors to make sure they won't have issues with poultry in the backyard. Maybe the thought of free eggs on occasion will keep them from complaining to bitterly. The kids (6, 3, 3, 1) are getting pretty excited about the thought of it.

 

[Wifezilla]

The neighborhood kids come over to visit my ducks all the time. I am sure your kids will LOVE having fluffy-butts in the yard

I have a small lot and a flock of 5 ducks...4 layers and 1 drake. (I have a chicken egg intolerance so I have ducks and quail instead)

 

[EweSheep]

Giving eggs to neighbors is not a good idea...what if they get sick from it? That is something to consider. If they would like to have some, then it is a different matter.

I used to live in Brimfield, got friends in Peoria Co, mostly East Peoria area. Got a sis in law that lives in CC. I remember one time a friend that lives in East Peoria, she is allowed to have chickens. you might want to go to the courthouse and find out if they are allowed and pay close attention to the exemptions and bylaws or exceptions (ie. you must be 50 ft from a LIVING residence from your neighbors to have chickens). Do not have roosters unless you are in a open wide parklike area.

The breeds I would recommend are the Orpingtons, Faverolles, Welsummers which all of them are good for city living! Any color Rocks would be good too! EE are good too!

Welcome!

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Quote:
Malay is not a good choice for someone with limited space, nor a good choice for someone who wants lots of eggs and meat. Malay are very slow to mature (2 - 3 years) and lay less than 50 eggs per year.