Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Backyard Chickens
When I first decided to start raising backyard chickens, I was excited about the idea of fresh eggs and having these charming, feathery companions wandering around. In my area, local laws allow for 7 hens and 1 rooster, which seemed perfect. However, before you rush out and buy your coop, feed, and flock, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand.
Always Check Local Laws and Regulations
The first thing to do is check your local laws regarding backyard chickens. In some places, you might be allowed to have a few hens but no roosters due to noise complaints. In others, you could have more flexibility with your flock size. Where I live, I’m permitted to have up to 7 hens and 1 rooster, but the rules vary widely. It’s also important to know that there are coop and run size requirements for keeping chickens. Typically, each chicken needs at least 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run. Make sure to research your area’s specific requirements before building your setup.
Chickens Are Surprisingly Messy
One thing that I didn’t fully grasp before starting is just how messy chickens can be. From scratching at the dirt and kicking up dust to their droppings (which come frequently!), cleaning up after them is no small task. Chickens can turn a neat garden into a chaotic dust bowl in no time. In our coop, we use the deep litter method, which is essentially composting the chicken bedding inside the coop. By regularly adding fresh bedding, the droppings decompose, which reduces odor and cleaning frequency. But despite this, chickens poop like there’s no tomorrow, so cleaning our patio daily is a must to keep things tidy. Trust me, a good rake, a plan for composting, and a broom for the patio will be your best friends.
They Eat EVERYTHING
When people talk about chickens being good for pest control, they aren’t kidding. Chickens will peck at just about anything they can find: bugs, weeds, vegetables, and even your prized flowers. I quickly learned that I had to protect certain plants in my garden, as nothing is off-limits to a curious hen. Most urban farmers like to incorporate a garden into their setup, but beware! Chickens have no sense of boundaries when it comes to your garden. If you’re planning to let your chickens free-range, be prepared for them to treat your yard like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Creating barriers around sensitive plants is a must.
Egg Laying Isn’t Consistent Year-Round
One thing I didn’t expect was how much chickens’ egg production could vary. Hens typically slow down or stop laying eggs during the winter months when daylight hours decrease. I thought I’d have a steady supply of fresh eggs year-round, but the reality is that even the best layers take a break now and then. If you rely on their eggs as a food source, you’ll need to consider this seasonal shift and possibly adjust your flock’s care to encourage more consistent laying, like using supplemental lighting.
Chickens Are Social Creatures
Lastly, I wish I had known just how social chickens are. They have personalities and a distinct pecking order within their flock. It’s important to keep an eye on their behavior, especially when introducing new birds, to make sure no one is being bullied or excluded. Chickens thrive on companionship, so make sure they always have a buddy or two. A lonely chicken is an unhappy one. Their interactions are fascinating, and you’ll find that your flock becomes like a small community in your backyard.
Choosing the Right Breed
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right breed of chickens. Different breeds have varying egg production rates, temperaments, and hardiness. For example, if you’re primarily interested in egg production, breeds like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds are prolific layers. If you’re more concerned about having friendly, docile chickens (especially if you have kids), breeds like Buff Orrington’s or Australorps might be a better choice. We personally chose Silkies and Australorps for our flock.
Silkies
Silkies are known for their unique appearance—fluffy feathers that feel more like fur, and they come in a variety of colors. They’re one of the most docile and friendly chicken breeds, making them perfect for families with children or anyone wanting chickens as pets. Silkies aren’t prolific egg layers, but they make up for it with their sweet temperaments and strong maternal instincts, often going broody and making excellent mothers to their chicks. If you’re looking for a breed that’s more about companionship and less about egg production, Silkies are an excellent choice.
Australorps
Australorps, on the other hand, are known for being excellent egg layers. They are hardy birds, capable of thriving in various climates, and their calm, friendly demeanor makes them a great addition to any backyard flock. Australorps are easy to care for and get along well with other breeds, making them ideal for mixed flocks. With their consistent egg-laying and quiet, easygoing nature, they offer a good balance between productivity and a friendly pet-like companion.
Conclusion
Raising backyard chickens has been a rewarding experience, but there were definitely a few surprises along the way. By understanding these key points—checking local laws, preparing for the mess, knowing their eating habits, anticipating egg-laying fluctuations, and embracing their social nature—you’ll be better equipped to start your own flock. Chickens bring a lot of joy (and eggs!) into your life, but like any commitment, it’s important to be prepared.