Raising chickens at home is growing in popularity
Raising chickens in suburban and urban areas has become an increasingly popular hobby in recent years with people enjoying the benefits of having fresh eggs and the companionship from domestic poultry.
However, there are things to think about before heading to the local farm supply store to pick out spring chicks, said Emily Lhamon, field educator for poultry health with the Penn State Extension.
The first thing to do is make sure you can raise chickens in your municipality and assess how much space you have, Lhamon said. Check with your local zoning or code enforcement officer to see what the rules are, if there are any, about raising poultry in your town.
Some areas require a certain amount of property to own livestock, while others limit the number or sex of chickens allowed. Roosters can be a nuisance to neighbors with their loud and sometimes constant crowing.
The Penn State Extension recommends a minimum of 1-square foot per pound of body weight for coop space and 2 square feet per body weight for outdoor fenced in areas. Chickens need a dedicated indoor space to lay eggs and stay safe from predators.
The next step is to figure out what kind of chickens you want and why. There are more than 60 varieties of chickens ranging in size, egg color, egg production and temperament.
“I always tell people to get on the American Poultry Association website that has a list of all breeds and varieties possible,” Lhamon said.
Heritage breeds like Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock or New Hampshire are dual-purpose, which means they can be used for egg production or meat. Commercial egg layers, like Leghorns, can lay more than 280 eggs a year. Bantams are smaller chickens that would fit well in smaller spaces.
Lhamon said her personal favorite is Wyandottes, which is a larger, docile breed that comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
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