What am I getting into???

[hiker125]

I would like to have a small suburban flock of 4-5 layers. I need very quiet, docile layers since I am going to be illegal. I am thinking about a Delaware, an Easter Egger, a Red Star and an Australorp from mypetchicken.com.

How much time do the birds require in the AM? What about in the evening?

What tasks need to be done daily, weekly, monthly etc? I have about 1/4 acre with a 6 foot privacy fence and an insulated playhouse converted into a tractor. Additionaly, I am planning on the tractor having a 5X10 run enclosed all around with metal hardware cloth.

What else do I need to consider???

 

[wildeflowers]

I mean this in a helpful way, truly I do, but you need to be prepared for the eventuality that you will be discovered, fined and/or ordered to remove your flock.

I think zoning regulations against chickens are ridiculous personally, so I would work to change the ordinance rather than operate illegally. It always amazes me when I see people who are surprised and angry when they are told to remove their flock, even though they knew it was against the law when they got them.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

I applaud your wanting a little flock. However, there doesn't seem to be such a thing as consistently quiet chickens. I got Buff Orpingtons, thinking they were going to be docile, sweet and quiet, however they ended up being hooligans. Most times they are quiet, but fail to show up with treats early enough in the morning, and they'll wake up the whole neighborhood with their complaints of mistreatment.

Best of luck...

 

[gryeyes]

The quietest chickens in my varied flock are Cochins. That doesn't mean they don't make noise, they just don't make as much noise as the others. But they are VERY docile.

 

[hiker125]

You all are both right. I do have a back up plan for someone to take them in the event I am discovered.

My DH will NOT let me attempt to change the laws since he is very politically active and doesn't want me to "ruffle any feathers". OOOPS, bad pun.

My DD and I want so much to leave on a farm so we are trying to create our own bit of heaven.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

I think the only quiet chicken is the fried chicken. My one month old EEs are in their run about 50 feet away and they are just happily chirping away and I can hear them with a window open. Good luck.

 

[33yardbirds]

Quote:
Part of politics is ruffling feathers. It is so nice that you are breaking the law on your own property, God bless the lawyers and politicos.

 

[crawfordmama]

How about a house chicken?