Urban Chickens

Chickens are delightful creatures that not only provide us with delicious eggs, they also provide many reasons for us to include them in our gardens!

Some Benefits of Including Chickens in the Garden

Their poop provides organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen that can be added to your compost.
They are omnivores so they’re great to include as part of your integrated pest management, as they love to eat bugs and to assist with weed control as part of their diet.
They make excellent companions while you work in your garden.

Basic Requirements for Keeping Chickens

Each city has its own ordinance regarding how many chickens, if any, are allowed on each property, so it’s important to verify these details before you proceed in getting chickens. The following link may provide your city’s code of ordinances. Municode
It’s also a good idea to check with your neighbors to see if they are okay with you having chickens.
Your chickens will need a coop to shelter them from sun, rain, and predators. The coop should have a perch so the chickens can sleep on, one nesting box for every four birds, absorbent litter material, ventilation, and an area with dirt or sand for dust bathing. The coop should be placed in a shady area with access to sun, and it should provide at least 10 square feet per bird.
Water is essential and must be provided at all times as well as a balanced nutritional diet.
Chickens are social animals so a minimum of two is best.

Keeping Chickens Healthy with Biosecurity

Prevention is the best method for keeping your birds healthy and free from disease. By implementing a good biosecurity program you minimize the chances of spreading diseases. Make these your daily habit!
- Wash hands before and after handling or coming in contact with birds.
- Have dedicated boots and clothing when tending to your chickens and scrub and disinfect boots.
- Avoid sharing equipment unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.
- Keep waterfowl and wild birds from coming in contact with your chickens.

Interested in more info on chickens? Check out our calendar for upcoming classes!