backyard chickens 101 - your...
TRANSCRIPT
Backyard Chickens 101Information for the new chicken wrangler
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?Chickens (including roosters) are allowed within city limits
Chickens must be in an enclosure
The coop must be at least 50 feet from any other living dwelling
No “ranging” allowed
They must not become a nuisance (sound, smell, location)
Shelter, food and water requirements the same as other pets
No, Really – What Does it Mean?
YES, you can have chickens in city limits (including roosters)
The chickens MUST have a coop and sufficient room• General rule of thumb is 1 chicken = 4 sq. ft. minimum
Smallest = large doghouse• PLUS room to roam
The coop must be at least 50 feet from the nearest dwelling that isn’t your own
When chickens are on the roam…• Have a defined “run” that is escape proof OR• Yard must be completely fenced and wings clipped
You may find yourself in legal trouble if the chickens become a nuisance
OK, So You Can Legally Have Chickens…But SHOULD You?
Other Things to Consider
MONEY• For shelter and bedding• For food• For basic supplies (waterer, feeder, shovel, etc.)• For emergencies
SPACEFor coop, chicken run and supply storageBe prepared to give more than you expect
Chickens will make your yard their ownhttp://youtu.be/etY25S5rVkM
TIMEDaily, all year, in all types of weatherWhile on vacation
NOISEChickens can be VERY noisyhttp://youtu.be/gPNa5mkjR7A
PROTECTIONChickens are relatively defenseless and must be protected from dangers
• Poisonous plants• People• Predators (both domestic and wild)
GROSS FACTOR• Molting• Poop, poop and more poop
And Don’t Forget…
CRAZY FACTOR
Legal Requirements
Money
Coop
Space
Time
Noise
Protection
Poop
Crazy
???????
Chicks VS Hens
+Cuteness factor+Bonding opportunity+Pick your breed(s)+Cheaper initial cost
-Require lots of attention-Will eventually need equipment for adults-Don’t always get the breed(s) you want-Some chicks don’t survive-Long wait for eggs (16-24 weeks)-May end up with unwanted roosters
CHICKS
+Instant gratification+No need to have equipment for both chicks and adults+Little/no wait for eggs
-Must have equipment ready before they arrive (more money initially)-Limited breed availability-Can sometimes be difficult to find honest seller-Establishment of pecking order can be rough-Must quarantine new birds
Chicks VS Hens
HENS
Roosters are big
Roosters are definitely noisy• http://youtu.be/uFhUzAwDEz4
• http://youtu.be/D9izSl9euRc
•
Roosters are NOT required for eggs
Roosters are aggressive• http://youtu.be/obQIdffSQUk
Roosters can cause physical harm
You CAN have too many roosters
A Word About Roosters
Where is the best place to get chicks?
How many chickens should I have?
What is this I hear about “mini-chickens”?
What is the best time of year to get chicks/chickens?
Which breed is best?
How old do hens have to be to lay eggs?
How often do they lay eggs?
How often do you need to feed ranging chickens?
Can I let my chickens forage in my garden to eat all the bugs?
What’s this I hear about chicken diapers and chicken saddles?
How different is it to raise “meat” chickens?
Frequently Asked Questions
