While you don’t need a lot of experience or land to successfully raise a backyard chicken flock, you do need one key ingredient.
“You’ve got to really love the process,” emphasized Lori Clark, a Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H youth development agent in Stafford County who cares for 12 egg-laying hens on her half-acre plot in Spotsylvania.
Egg laying “songs,” unsupervised visits to the neighbors’ yard and egg hunts around the property keep things interesting for Clark’s family. Her hens sing like trumpets when dropping their eggs, and sometimes the amusing melody will come from unusual places – like the garage.
Along with some quirky habits, chickens come with a lot of needs. Whether acquiring chickens for eggs, meat, compost, critter control or backyard entertainment, it’s important to study up before starting a flock.
“They need care seven days a week,” Clark noted. “You have to think about who’s going to watch them when you go on vacation.”
It’s also important to check:
- With your neighbors, as even hens tend to be fairly noisy. Roosters are not necessary for egg production.
- Local ordinances for any regulations on the number of hens and roosters you can have and allowable proximity to neighbors.
- Your available space for a coop, a structure in which chickens can sleep and be safe from predators; and a run, a fenced-in area for free-ranging chickens.
- What the best breeds are for eggs, meat or pets.
Lizzie Crowder of Amelia County raises Rhode Island Reds for their prolific egg laying, with her flock of 20 producing around 112 eggs weekly during peak months.
The Crowders started with day-old chicks, which need to be kept warm in a brooder for several weeks and develop adult feathers before being released outside. Young female birds, called pullets, and mature hens can be placed directly in a coop.
No matter the design, coops and runs must have sufficient floor space, protection from the elements and predators, ventilation, a place to roost and nest boxes for laying eggs.
North Carolina State Extension recommends using strong wire buried at least six inches deep around a run and secured to the outside of upright posts for predator proofing.
“Everything likes chickens,” warned Crowder. “Living in a rural area, the predators will take your whole flock in no time if you don’t limit their time outside.”
Even suburban areas attract a mix of predators. Clark has lost hens to dogs, hawks and foxes. She also advises building additional fencing for securing the flock.
Fresh feed and water also are essential for a healthy, thriving flock.
Backyard flocks are susceptible to avian flu, so USDA recommends that owners restrict access to their property and birds; clean and disinfect clothes, shoes, equipment and hands; clean and disinfect poultry cages and equipment before going home if you have been near other birds or bird owners; don’t borrow equipment, tools or supplies from other bird owners; and know the warning signs of avian flu.
Report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to your state veterinarian’s office.
See the full story in May’s Cultivate magazine at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau.
