{"id":4245,"date":"2016-07-25T06:08:50","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T10:08:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/?p=4245"},"modified":"2022-09-12T12:09:03","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T16:09:03","slug":"keep-urban-backyard-chickens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/keep-urban-backyard-chickens\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Urban Chickens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How\u00a0to get started keeping\u00a0backyard chickens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You're wondering if urban chickens are right for your yard or neighborhood and where to start. I'm so glad you found me because clearly, you're my kind of people!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to give my daughter Ivy credit for any benefits I reap from our urban chickens. We've had chickens over the years, but it has been her love for them that has really made them thrive and inspired me to take an interest in them too! Who knew chickens could be such great pets?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chickens really are quite entertaining and are a great source of nutritious eggs as well.  Ours have kept us on our toes, made us laugh, disturbed the peace and stretched our patience but all along we have enjoyed having them. Here's what I've learned that will hopefully help you get started keeping backyard chickens where you live!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We've had chickens both living out in the country where we couldn't see a neighbor anywhere in site and also in urban areas. There are a few things to make note of no matter where you plan to keep chickens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buying chickens<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Our Silkies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You'll find there are a variety of chicken breeds so if you are interested in something specific, it is best to do some ground work before buying.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are traditional breeds and hybrids which have been bred to exhibit a particular desirable trait such as those who lay larger numbers of eggs or tend to be more docile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also note, that if you buy chicks you will not be able to determine their sex so you could possibly end up with all roosters (no eggs, lots of fights!) and no hens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young hens ready to lay eggs are called pullets and are usually around 20 weeks old.  To start off with you might want to buy less than 5 chicks. They are more productive when young, up until about 5 years of age.  Over time, you can slowly obtain more to keep the egg production and thus, your egg supply, steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don't have to order online to get baby chicks, many feed stores have them available to buy in the spring and summer. You'll also want a brooder<\/a> to keep them warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some popular chicken breeds include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The big farm poultry industry typically keeps the white leghorn breed chicken. For urban chickens, there are so many beautiful and fun options. Here are a few to get you started if you're looking for egg layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n