Some factors to consider in keeping backyard chickens

Keeping backyard chickens is becoming very common, approaching levels not seen since the FHA loan program regulations forbade the keeping of livestock on properties obtained through FHA loans.

The first thing to consider in keeping backyard chickens are the local regulations and restrictions. These can usually be found in the municipal code for the jurisdiction you live in, or in the county zoning regulations for rural areas. Cities and towns may require licensing and inspection, and generally limit chicken keeping to pullets and hens. Here in Newark, we may keep four pullets or hens without obtaining a special breeder license.

Crowing is the reason roosters are banned in most cities and towns. Roosters not only crow at dawn, they crow all day, and will crow at night if they are disturbed by lights, sounds, etc. Crowing is a way to mark their territory and warn predators that they face a protective rooster if they insist on trespassing.

Important qualities that one should consider when selecting backyard chickens are temperament, noisiness, and flying ability. The ideal backyard bird is calm, quiet, and does not fly or jump well enough to clear the backyard fence.

In my next post I will go into some detail on the differences between popular chicken breeds and important things to consider when deciding to keep backyard chickens.