Backyard chickens are becoming one of today’s hottest pets. Big names including Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Oprah – and even a contestant on The Bachelor – have helped terms like the #chickenenthusiast trend, bringing fame to the ‘pets with benefits’ category.

But raising backyard poultry isn’t just for celebrities. Today’s estimates show that more than 1 million U.S. families enjoy the fresh, wholesome eggs and undeniable companionship of backyard chickens.

These benefits are just for families who live in the country, right? Surprisingly not. Backyard chickens can make excellent additions to a family – no matter where you live.

In the U.S., we’re seeing an explosion of backyard chickens in both urban and rural areas. Purina has flock customers on all ends of the spectrum, including families with free-range birds in South Dakota and those with small flocks of chickens in Austin, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago.

When considering raising backyard chickens, first determine if they are allowed in your area. Many townships, villages, and cities have embraced the benefits of backyard flocks; however, chicken keeping is not yet permitted everywhere.

To determine if a backyard flock is accepted in your area, follow these steps:

 1. Make sure backyard chickens are permitted in your area.

To be certain chickens are permitted or if possible restrictions appear in your area, contact your local government officials.

Begin the discussion by calling a member of your local planning board, county clerk or animal control representative. Contact information for the correct person can typically be located on your city’s website.

2. Find out what regulations govern backyard poultry raising in your municipality

Some cities have rules about the size of your flock, coop building or amount of acreage needed per animal.

We recommend asking:

• How many birds are allowed?
• Are both hens and roosters acceptable?
• Are there rules on where the coop can be built?
• What do I need from my neighbors before starting?
• Do I need a permit to raise chickens and/or build a coop?
• Who can I contact if I have to unexpectedly part ways with my chickens?

3. Secure a copy of the local ordinances.

To be certain your new members of your family can stay in your family, secure a copy of the local ordinances and keeping it on file.

4. If backyard chickens are not allowed, empower change.

If chickens are not zoned for by your local government, change is possible by amending local laws. Depending on your area, you may need to fill out various paperwork and attend a local government meeting.

In this case, the best bet is to be prepared. Join forces with other flock enthusiasts in your area to outline the benefits of raising birds and a plan for raising chickens. Oftentimes, showing community support and the benefits are key drivers in adding chickens to a community.

Many urban communities have a local meet-up or chat groups dedicated to raising backyard chickens. You can find one in your area with a simple online search.

5. Visit with your neighbors.

Once you have the go-ahead to get started, visit your neighbors and share your plans with them.

It’s always best to share plans in advance and to work together on the project. Describe the benefits, quiet nature and community opportunities of raising chickens. Your neighbors will likely be excited about visiting their new community members.

6. Design a backyard chicken flock ideal for you and your area’s conditions

Your family should now be ready for one of the most exciting parts of the process: designing the flock.
There are hundreds of breeds to choose from. Determine if you wish to have chickens for eggs, meat or show. Explore the breeds’ personalities, amount of space they need and if they are right for your climate. Then, pick up supplies and start small with a flock of 4 to 6 chicks. Argyle Feed & Hardware is a good resource to help you get started!

Source: Gordon Ballam, Ph.D. – Research & Technical Services, PMI Nutrition

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Tags: backyard chickens, raising chicks