Raising chickens in suburban and urban areas has become an increasingly popular hobby. Homeowners are advised to check the zoning or code rules for their municipality beforehand.

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.

When it comes time to purchase chickens, there are a variety of options, Lhamon said. Purchasing them as chicks requires a bit more care but can be fun for children to see their growth and development.

Mail-order hatcheries are a good resource to get chicks because they typically guarantee the health of the chicks and the breed. Day-old chicks are sent through the mail to the post office, where you pick them up. Chicks also can be purchased from local farm supply stores during certain months in the spring.

You can also purchase chicks or “started” chickens that are closer to laying age from live bird markets or breeders. Chickens do not lay eggs until they are about 6 months old.

Getting them as chicks or as started chickens does not make a difference in how friendly they are, Lhamon said.

“As long as they're socialized and you see them every day, they have a very short memory capability,” Lhamon said. “If you're quiet and gentle with them, they'll be gentle back.”

There are a variety of feed options for chickens, but Lhamon said any pelletized or crumble layer ration at a farm store will have all the nutrients a laying hen needs. Some kitchen scraps are OK, but just like household pets, there are certain vegetables and other foods chickens cannot digest safely.

“A lot of people get concerned with the pelleted food, that it doesn't look appetizing,” she said. “But it's specifically formulated so it has the right nutrient profile for chickens, even though it doesn't look pretty.”

Chickens also need access to fresh water, clean bedding and their eggs must be collected daily.

And on top of everything, take everything you read on social media with a grain of salt, Lhamon said. Bad advice is abound on Facebook posts, so when in doubt check with tested sources like Penn State Extension's online poultry page.