From Beacon Hill to Brooklyn, people are buzzing about the joys of raising chickens in an urban environment. Seattle Urban Farm Company says,
“Many people don’t believe it possible to have this experience in the city, but laying hens’ small space requirements and pleasant dispositions make them a wonderful addition to any backyard. Managing your own chickens is an extremely rewarding experience. You’ll have a source of fresh, nutritious eggs right out your back door; and the satisfaction of knowing that your hens are fed a healthy, well-balanced diet and have plenty of space to roam and eat bugs, weeds, and grass. Chickens make a great pair with a garden, as they love to eat your vegetable scraps and leftover greens. Chicken care is a fun and educational experience for children, and will give them a connection to their food that they’ll never forget.
Chickens don’t require much space for a happy and healthy life. The more space you provide for them, the better; but 3 laying hens can live comfortably (with plenty of room for scratching, exploring, and roosting) in a 3 by 10 foot space. Many people are concerned that a chicken coop will have a strong odor, but a properly managed coop has almost no smell other than that of fresh straw.”
Interested in building a coop for your yard? Consult the experts:
Seattle Urban Farm Co. offers services ranging from planning and design to installations to monthly maintenance. They are happy to help you learn how to manage and care for your hens, and can provide you with local sources for organic feed and bedding.
Portland based readers can attend the 6th Annual Portland Tour de Coops on Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 11:00am-3:00pm. This tour is designed to educate Portland chicken lovers on urban chicken keeping and provide ideas for new and creative ways to house chickens in your backyard.
The Natural Gardener in Austin offers a wide range of helpful classes. Attend “Raising Backyard Chickens” with Carol Ann Sayle on May 16, 2009 at 9:00am.
Already on the bandwagon? We want to hear about your coop!
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