Raising Backyard Chickens
As long as you plan ahead and carry out some research, raising and caring for chickens can be relatively easy. These amazing critters make excellent pets, but there are a few things to think about before you consider raising backyard chickens.
Local Laws
The first thing that you will need to do is to check your local laws to see if it is legal to keep chickens on residential property. While most municipalities allow chickens, they often have very strict regulations regarding those animals. In many areas, you must get written permission from your immediate neighbors and keep the coop a certain distance from all nearby domiciles. Some cities also have restrictions on which types of chickens can be purchased and how many you can own.
Protection from Predators
Even if you live in a densely populated city, there could still be quite a few predators lurking around. In addition to domesticated dogs and cats, you might also need to keep an eye out for hawks, owls, coyotes, squirrels, and raccoons. The best way to protect your chickens is to keep them in an area that is completely enclosed by chicken wire. You must also make sure that the coop can’t be tipped over by a larger dog or coyote.
Feeding and Housing
Every breed of chicken has slightly different needs, but the average mature chicken is going to need at least two or three square feet inside the chicken coop. Chickens must also have plenty of room to move around and exercise during the day. As for food, you can look online or check local stores for chicken feeders for sale. High-quality tread-on and bell feeders are relatively inexpensive, and those devices will make your life much easier in the coming years.
The Local Climate
The local climate is going to have a major impact on which types of chickens you can get and how you set up your coop. While most chickens are extremely hardy, you might need to invest in heaters and an insulated coop if you live in a particularly cold climate. You also need to make sure that they have plenty of space to roost so that they aren’t in direct contact with the cold ground.
If you have decided that you would like to have chickens, then you need to spend a little time researching all of the different breeds. Some homeowners are going to want breeds that are beautiful and friendly while others would prefer chickens that can provide them with huge amounts of eggs.
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“Raising Backyard Chickens – What You Need to Know”
Guest Writer: Ani O is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty.
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This post is very interesting and makes me ponder about whether raising chickens with a heater will effect the chickens differently then if you raise them in a naturally hot climate.
Max, I’m not sure that it would affect chickens a lot if they are raised with a heater or in a naturally hot climate. The thing that affects them most is light. The lengthening and shortening of days affects their laying habits a great deal. That might not be an issue in hot regions.