Chickens are a great first farm species. They're fairly low-maintenance as farm animals go, they won't crush your car if they escape from their pen, and if you like eggs, you get a first-rate source of protein that doesn't require any butchering.
Chickens do need some things: a coop, a fenced run or free range area, protection from predators, and good food. Read up on how to keep chickens, and visit our Small Farm Forums to ask questions or share your expertise. Recently a poster asked for some details about chicken care and keeping, so if you have more to add to my reply, please chime in!
Photo © Lauren Ware
Comments
I’m curious about neighboring chickens. I have been considering getting chickens for a few years now, but my neighbors have chickens that they tell me are ‘pedigreed’. They roam freely coming into our pastures and lawns with abandon, until our dogs scare them back across the fence. I guess I just worry that their roosters would help increase my flock inadvertently and how much that would annoy my neighbors. Should I be concerned?
Hi Jennifer,
Their roosters may very well help increase your flock, but I’m not sure why that would annoy your neighbors. If you get roosters, they might mate with your neighbors’ hens, which would definitely affect their genetics.
But, honestly, if they’re really that concerned about the particular breed (I have no idea what “pedigreed” chickens are, but there are over 200 specific breeds), then they need to take steps to ensure that their flock is secure.
I would start by opening up conversation with your neighbors, explaining that you are planning to acquire a laying flock. I guess I feel like it’s really on the neighbors to secure their chickens with a fence of some sort if they have any concerns, and I think you’re being a gracious neighbor by tolerating their chicken trespassing!
Good luck!