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The Hidden Dangers of Backyard Chickens

June 12, 2013February 8, 2015 by John White

From the wide news coverage and booming backyard chicken magazine and book market, one might think that backyard chickens were accepted in all corners of the United States with open arms and open-minded hearts. While raising chickens is indeed legal in the United States as a whole, it is far from legal in many cities and towns across this great nation. People who don’t follow their local rules and regulations or who set up a backyard coop in a restrictive city face some pretty serious consequences.

Criminal Consequences in Virginia

Natural News brought the story public in March 2013: the Virginia government is prosecuting a Virginia Beach homeowner with criminal charges because she raises backyard chickens for organic eggs. The homeowner kept a healthy flock of chickens with full blessings from her neighbors, but local officials had a big problem with her backyard birds. They claim she broke zoning ordinances. Despite support from neighbors and an appellate fight, she was strictly warned that chickens are not allowed within the city. She now faces serious criminal charges. To read more, check out: http://www.naturalnews.com/039538_backyard_chickens_homeowners_government_intrusion.html.

A Woman’s Livelihood in Jeopardy in Connecticut

Amanda Kettle makes her living selling high-quality eggs and meat from her small farm in Connecticut. Her livelihood is in jeopardy because her 100-chicken-flock breaks town regulations limiting people to 2 chickens. Kettle farms on two acres, but town regulations require three acres per every two grazing animals. Kettle is required to relinquish many of her birds. A hearing is scheduled in the near future. To read more, check out: http://www.wfsb.com/story/22565868/pawcatuck-woman-forced-to-get-rid-of-chickens-some-of-them-missing.

Backyards, Not Barnyards in DC

Arlington is a hen-free county and they are adamant to keep it that way, even launching a new “Backyards, Not Barnyards” initiative strictly for the purpose of keeping back-yard chicken-keeping illegal within county lines. Why? The group sites the smell, waste, exposure to salmonella, and a likely increase in the rat and mouse population, just to name a few issues. The Arlington Egg Project works for the opposite goal, fighting for DC residents to have the right to raise backyard birds. As of now, raising chickens is still illegal in DC. To read more, check out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/01/arlington-chickens_n_3367708.html.

No matter where you live, carefully check with your local guidelines and conform to them carefully. Keep up to date on changes. There’s not much worse than legal troubles to detract from the beauty of raising backyard chickens.

Best States for Raising Chickens

June 2, 2013February 8, 2015 by John White

Raising backyard chickens is an increasingly popular and mainstream hobby, yet it is not legal in every town and city across the United States. Some states are friendlier toward urban chickens than others. Finding out which state is the best is more challenging than one might imagine. Many states claim to be the most chicken-friendly state in the Union. While raising chickens is legal in all 50 states, rules and regulations vary widely within individual states.

The American South

Many large-scale chicken farms are located in the southern states and there’s no shortage of websites claiming Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas are each the “best” place for chickens. A temperate climate and abundant land seem to be prime reasons to choose the South. What are regulations like in these individual states?

Arkansas seems to be a pretty lenient state for keeping chickens. Fayetteville allows four or fewer chickens, no closer than 25 feet to residences. Each bird must have at least 4 square feet of coop space and an adequate chicken run. Little Rock requires that chickens be at least 5 feet from the owner’s residence and 25 feet from other residences. No more than 4 birds.

South Carolina is another southern state known for its chickens. Yet if you live in Summerville, SC, you are out of luck. Local regulations declare it unlawful for anyone to have poultry of any kind running at large. Aiken, SC, allows chickens so long as they are penned and at least 40 feet from neighboring residences. Rules differ dramatically from one city to the next.

The West Coast

What about America’s West Coast? California is a pretty great place to keep backyard chickens. Many Californian cities permit backyard fowl. The specific numbers and space requirements vary. Irvine allows two hens per household while Albany allows up to 6 (with a permit). In Los Angeles, the number of chickens one can keep on their property is unlimited so long as they are kept at least 30 feet from your residence and 35 feet from other dwellings.

Up the coast in Washington, raising backyard chickens is generally allowed. Up to 8 chickens may be kept on any size lot in Seattle. Olympia allows up to 3 birds while Battle Ground has no restrictions on raising poultry at all.

America’s East Coast

In New York City, one can keep an unlimited number of hens so long as the area is kept clean. Roosters are prohibited. Albany, NY, strictly prohibits farm animals of any kind within city limits and fines violators. Oswego, NY, also prohibits chickens. It appears that quite a few New York cities prohibit poultry, so if you live in that state you must be very careful! New York is certainly not the most chicken-friendly state in the Union.

Boston, Massachusetts, prohibits raising chickens within the city. In Lynn, Massachusetts, one must have a petition signed by their neighbors stating they don’t mind you raising chickens and you can be fined if people complain about your birds. Plymouth, Ma, doesn’t appear to have regulations regarding chickens, nor does Somerville. Northhampton allows up to three hens and no roosters.

No matter where you live, do your research before setting your heart on backyard chickens. The United States can seem like the most—or least—restrictive place to raise chickens all depending on where you live. Good luck!

Raising Chickens in the UK

June 1, 2013October 23, 2016 by John White

Much news has been reported in recent years about the growing back-yard chicken trend in the United States. Yet the Americans are not the only ones who have brought chicken husbandry back into the forefront of society. Backyard chickens are increasingly popular in the United Kingdom as well. Backyard chickens can be found in England’s biggest cities as well as in the countryside.

If you keep less than 50 chickens, you generally do not have to register with any authority in Great Britain. If you have more than 50 chickens, you’re considered a commercial chicken farmer and must be registered on the Great Britain Poultry Register and DEFRA. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs website encourages people to register voluntarily even if they have fewer than 50 fowl. For details and more information, check out their website at: https://www.gov.uk/poultry-farms-general-regulations. The Poultry Registry allows the government to quickly and easily contact chicken owners in case of disease outbreak or other important announcements.

Specific localities may have different rules, so if you live in the United Kingdom and wish to raise chickens you must first check with your local government or council to make sure you will not be breaking any rules. Local covenants and house deeds may also contain stipulations about keeping chickens on a property. Do your research and keep it legal.

The Poultry Club of Great Britain approves specific chicken breeds and there are a wide variety of breeds to choose from. Among the more popular breeds are the Ancona, Araucana, Australorp, the Belgian Bantam, Croad Langshan, and the Legbar. Leghorns, Marans, Orpingtons, and Rhode Island Reds are great backyard birds too. Do your research to find the right bird for you.

Raising chickens in the United Kingdom is a fairly easy and straightforward process. Check your local rules and regulations, build a sturdy and protective chicken coop, and order your chicks or eggs. Private breeders, local advertisements, and online poultry companies all sell chicks in the UK. It has truly never been easier to set up your own backyard hen house. Have fun!

Keeping Chickens in California

May 15, 2013February 8, 2015 by John White

Did you know that homegrown chicken eggs are fresher than those one buys at the supermarket and far less likely to be contaminated by salmonella? Homegrown eggs have much more beta carotene than their factory-raised counterparts. They also have less cholesterol and saturated fat and more vitamin e. Those who eat homegrown eggs claim that these eggs also taste significantly better than commercial eggs. Considering how easy and economical it is to raise your own chickens for eggs, there’s no wondering why this hobby is becoming increasingly popular. Here’s what you need to know if you wish to keep chickens in California.

San Diego, California Chicken Regulations

Chickens are allowed with the San Diego city limits. In late January, 2012, the San Diego city council unanimously voted to allow backyard chickens, goats, and bees. Single-family homes, community gardens, and retail farms are all allowed to raise chickens within city limits. Most single family homes can keep up to 5 chickens, so long as the chicken coop is kept 5 feet from side property lines and 13 feet from rear property lines. If the coop is kept 15 feet from all property lines, up to 15 chickens are allowed. If there’s at least 50 feet between the coop and other homes, up to 25 chickens may be kept. No roosters are allowed and each chicken must have at least 10 square feet of living space. Chicken coops must be kept clean and ventilated. An outdoor enclosure must be kept to keep the chickens out of neighboring properties and safe from predators. Chicken food must be stored in rat-proof containers and chicken droppings should be cleaned at least once weekly to minimize smell.

Los Angeles, California Chicken Regulations

In Los Angeles, a chicken coop can be no closer than 25 feet from one’s own house and 35 feet from any neighboring residences. Roosters are allowed. There does not appear to be a restriction as to the number of chickens one can keep on their property, so long as one keeps them the required distance from neighboring homes. Their lax restrictions makes Los Angeles a very chicken-friendly city to live in. As always, be sure to check with your homeowner’s association before building a coop.

Widely Varying Chicken Regulations

Despite the popularity of backyard chickens, not all Californian cities have joined the sustainable food movement. San Dimas, Ontario, Whittier, San Gabriel, and Montebello are just a few cities in California that ban chickens in residential living areas. Long Beach is extremely restrictive too, as is Irvine and El Cerrito. In each of these cities, councils and committees are fighting to lift or at least lessen these restrictions.

Cities that already allow chickens include Pasadena, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Marino, Monterey Park, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Berkley, Lafayette, and Glendora. Each of these cities has its own zoning requirements and many restrict the number of chickens that can legally be kept on a property. Be sure to check with your local government before purchasing chicks. For a complete list of California cities and their chicken rules and regulations, check out: http://thecitychicken.com/chickenlaws.html.

Keeping Chickens in Texas

May 12, 2013February 8, 2015 by John White

Keeping chickens is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Backyard chickens were a standard part of the American lifestyle for centuries but waned with urbanization and industrialization. Today, people are coming to the realization that raising chickens is a great way to practice self-sufficiency and to provide their family with healthy, organic food. Where you live in the country determines to a great deal how easy or difficult it will be to make your dreams of a backyard chicken coop a reality. Some cities allow backyard chicken coops openly, others have many restrictions, and yet other towns and cities prohibit raising chickens within city limits. Here’s what you should know about keeping chickens in Texas.

Austin, Texas Chicken Regulations

Raising backyard chickens is a popular, sustainable food-movement that is alive and well in Austin, Texas. The chickens may be raised free-range, but must have some sort of enclosure (such as a fence) to keep them out of neighbor’s yards. Make sure they’re unable to fly into neighbor’s yards as well and that coops are at least 50 feet away from neighbor’s homes. Keep your coop clean and don’t raise more hens than you have space for. If you have the space available, up to 10 chickens are allowed on your property. If complaints are received, a sanitarian will be sent out to inspect your chicken’s living space. Also keep in mind that chickens may not be permitted in all neighborhoods, so be sure to check the rules and regulations of your home owner’s association before building a coop and buying birds.

Houston, Texas Chicken Regulations

In Houston, a homeowner may keep up to 30 chickens on their property, so long as the chickens are kept 100 feet from any neighboring properties (homes, schools, churches, businesses). Unfortunately, these space restrictions mean that most urban Houstonians cannot raise hens on their property. Composting chicken manure is prohibited. The movement Hens for Houston is promoting allowing urban Houstonians to be able to keep chickens on small lots as well. You can track their progress at http://hensforhouston.com/. The Department of Health may be called to inspect the premises in case of complaints.

Restrictive Cities for Backyard Chickens

In some Texas cities, it is very hard to legally raise chickens within city limits. In Arlington, Texas, chickens can only be kept on lots ½ acre or larger and roosters are not permitted. Chickens must be penned and 50 feet away from neighboring houses. Grand Prairie, Tx, requires that chickens must be 150 feet away from any houses, which is difficult to do within the city. Wylie and Planto, Texas, ban chickens altogether. For a complete list, check out: http://www.ranch-coop.com/blog.html?entry=the-chicken-laws-for-some.

Best Texas Cities for Keeping Chickens

Houston, Texas, appears to be one of the most lenient Texas cities to raise chickens, allowing up to 30 chickens to be kept on a lot measuring at least 65 x 125 feet. So long as you have plenty of space between lots, you can keep a fairly large flock. Irving, Texas, doesn’t have restrictions on livestock. In Laredo, Texas, there are no restrictions if you keep less than 6 chickens. If you keep more than 6, they must be penned 100 feet from any building other than your own home.

Where you live in Texas determines the rules and regulations you must follow if you wish to keep chickens on your property. These rules vary widely. Some cities welcome chickens and make it simple for urbanites to keep a flock on their property. Other cities are so restrictive that they make raising chickens within city limits nearly impossible. Check with your city and your homeowner’s association before you get started. It’ll save you a lot of headaches. Good luck!

Common Problems With Backyard Chickens

April 27, 2013September 9, 2016 by John White

Raising backyard chickens is a fun and rewarding pastime. Not only are chickens amusing to watch, but they are natural fertilizers for your garden and lawn and offer fresh, organic eggs. Yet raising chickens can also come at a price. Lack of knowledge and consistent care can lead to destroyed yards, foul smells, and sick or dead birds.

Can you tell the difference between a healthy chicken and a sick one? Sometimes it’s not as obvious as one would think. Sometimes, the first clue that something is wrong is a dead chicken. Yet there are some signs you can keep a lookout for. Sick chickens may have drooping wings or tail or paralysis of one or both of their legs or wings. Blood in droppings, loss of appetite, discharge from nostrils and eyes, labored breathing, or breathing with their beaks open (unless it is particularly hot) are all trouble signs. A healthy chicken should be active and alert. Its eyes and nostrils should be clean and it should hold its head high. Its droppings should be white, its breathing should be unnoticeable and silent, its legs should be clean, and its feathers should be smooth. Your chicken’s comb should not be black or dark blue. The birds should eat frequently and be social with the other chickens. If you observe your flock regularly, it should be fairly easy to pick up the signals that something is wrong.

What causes disease or sickness among a flock of chickens? According to Roy Butler of the Government of Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food, inadequate shelter, feed, and water as well as too much stress are common reasons for ill chickens (http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_ assets/content/aap/gn_diseases_of_backyard_chickens.pdf). Infectious diseases can also be caught, just as humans catch and transmit diseases. Even mosquitoes can carry diseases harmful to chickens.

Birds can be infected with a variety of different parasites. Chickens can be infested by poultry lice, which cause irritation and stress and often cause a bird to stop laying eggs. Fleas are another common problem. Mites, ticks, and worms also can take a toll on your flock. There are plenty of diseases and infections chickens can get too, including fowl pox (from mosquitoes) and bronchitis.

Diseases and bloodsuckers aren’t the only problems you may face with your backyard flock. Rodents are frequently attracted to leftover chicken feed. No one wants a rat or mouse infestation. Not only are they disgusting, but they carry diseases and can eat young chickens. Remove debris piles and keep your chicken feed in well-sealed containers. Take care to provide secure fencing as well to keep out predators. From birds to cats, dogs, weasels, or coyotes, there are dozens of neighborhood creatures who would love to make a meal out of your chickens.

What’s the best thing you can do to keep your chickens healthy and safe? Check your flock frequently for signs of trouble. Feed your birds plenty of high quality feed and remove feed from the container that has molded. Provide a consistent supply of clean water and clean out your coop several times a month. Check your birds for fleas, ticks, and mites and don’t be afraid to ask your local veterinarian questions if you suspect trouble or if you want advice in making your chicken’s living area healthier. Regularly check your chicken coop and run to make sure they are secure enough to keep out predators. Diligence is a necessary trait in a backyard farmer. No one, after all, knows your chickens better than you.

The Ultimate Food—Are Eggs Really Good For You?

April 25, 2013September 9, 2016 by John White

It is the best of foods; it is the worst of foods. It’s been heralded as a super food once or twice, then scorned as a cholesterol-laden poison. So, what is truth and what is farce when it comes to the simple egg? Nature’s most simple meal, eggs have been eaten since the beginning of human history. Used in a huge variety of recipes as well as eaten alone, the egg is a rich source of protein and is very easy to obtain. Should you make eggs a regular part of your diet? It depends on whom you ask.

The Truth About Cholesterol

One large egg averages between 63-84 calories (sources vary widely). It contains 186- 213 mg of cholesterol (source vary here too) and approximately 6 grams of fat. Eating too much cholesterol will adversely affect your heart and may lead to high cholesterol levels and heart disease. One who suffers from high cholesterol may not want to eat a dozen eggs per week. According to Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck of the Mayo Clinic, eating four or fewer egg yolks weekly shouldn’t put you at an increased risk for heart disease (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/HQ00608).

A healthy human should keep their daily dietary cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. Someone with diabetes or heart disease should limit their cholesterol intake to less than 200 milligrams daily. One egg weighs in very close to that limit. So, if you have cholesterol problems or heart disease, it would be wise to limit your egg intake and be conscious of how much dietary cholesterol you are consuming daily. If you absolutely love eggs and can’t part with them, consider egg whites instead of yolks. Moderation is key.

Yet the Benefits Outweigh Everything Else

Eggs are rich in vitamins, bursting with Vitamins B12, B2, B5, Selenium, and Tryptophan. These compounds work together to keep your body functioning well. The protein found in eggs will keep you full longer, potentially aiding in weight loss. As part of a healthy diet, eggs are a true super food.

Www.Healthdiaries.com lists a variety of interesting health benefits from eggs (http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-eggs.html). Eggs may benefit your eyes and reduce your risk of developing cataracts. Eggs help regulate your cardiovascular system, brain, and nervous system. Eggs promote healthy hair and nail growth too. That’s a lot for such a small food.

Eggs also supply a much needed dose of choline. According to www.whfoods.com, 90% or more of Americans don’t get enough choline in their daily diets (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=92). Pregnant women should be especially aware of this, since choline in needed for healthy brain and memory development. Choline is needed for cellular health in people of all ages and a deficiency can lead to fatty liver and hemorrhagic kidney necrosis. In children and adults alike, choline can help improve the memory.

The Best Eggs of All

Eggs are inexpensive and readily available. Yet much of what is available at the grocery store comes from commercially farmed chickens. While still nutritious, there is an even better option. Organic, home-grown (or free-range and purchased from your local health food store or farmer’s market) eggs are much richer in nutrients than their commercially-raised alternatives.

According to a study by “Mother Earth News,” pasture-raised chickens produce eggs that have 2/3 times more vitamin A than commercially produced eggs. These eggs also have twice the omega-3 fatty acids, three times more vitamin E, and seven times more beta carotene. Not to mention, non-commercial chickens produce eggs that have 1/3 less cholesterol. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, this is good news! They also have fewer toxins, are less likely to be infected with salmonella, and taste phenomenal.

The egg is a simple yet healthy way to start your day. The benefits are innumerable. Crack one open today and pave your way toward better health.

Cool Egg Trick: How to Separate the Yolk From the Egg White

March 6, 2013September 9, 2016 by John White

Here’s an awesome trick to simplify the process of separating the yolk from the egg white, brought to you by the funny Greg from Greg’s Kitchen…Enjoy!

Did you know about this little trick? Do you know any other fun or useful egg tricks? Share them by posting a comment below!

John

You may also be interested in:
The Truth About Egg Yolks

Chickens + Aquaponics = The perfect combo?

March 4, 2013February 6, 2015 by John White

Since you’re reading this newsletter you’re obviously interested in raising chickens…

As you probably already know, there are tons of advantages to raising your own chickens…

They are a super-easy animal to maintain and 5-10 laying hens can provide eggs for the entire family.

They can be raised on a budget by building your own coop and developing strategies to minimize feed costs.

Not only that, they will help fertilize your garden and can be raised in a fairly limited amount of space.

But what if you would like to take another step towards self-sufficiency and produce your own vegetables and even farm your own fish…?

Enter Aquaponics…

Aquaponics is the method of growing crops and fish together in a re-circulating system.

An aquaponics installation requires no soil, scant water (2 to 10 percent of what is used in the average vegetable garden), very little space, a modest financial investment and minimal maintenance…

Also, there’s no dealing with pesticides, the system is sustainable and easy to set up and it can produce a huge amount of vegetables and fish in a small amount of space.

Yes, it can almost seem to good to be true but the advantages are indeed real…I highly suggest you take some time to learn more about it.

Here’s a great Aquaponics guide to check out.

Chickens + an Aquaponics system certainly is a great combo if you’re interested in producing healthy, organic food using minimum amount of space.

Eggs, vegetables and fish…there’s not that much else you’ll really need for food, right?See where we’re going here? Self-sufficiency really isn’t as unachievable as it may seem – IF you’re using the right food production methods…

If you found this post useful, please share it with your friends and family!

John

Photo by: waleedalzuhair

Chickens eating a MOUSE?

February 28, 2013October 11, 2016 by John White

I just wanted to show you this video I found of chickens eating a mouse.

Chickens eating small rodents such as mice isn’t as uncommon as you may think and it just goes to prove that chickens need and are looking for other animals to eat, and that chickens are NOT vegetarians…

Chickens need a good amount of protein, which is why it’s important to let them forage freely or use a mobile coop that you can move around to give them access to a sufficient amount of insects and worms.

The egg to your left in the picture below what eggs that come from chickens that have been given a lot of time to forage freely and eaten their fair share of insects look like – can you spot the difference?

As you can see the yolks of these eggs have an intense, almost orange color.

These eggs are a LOT more nutritious than eggs from chickens that haven’t been given access to insects and worms.

So to summarize: Chickens are not vegetarians and they should be given the opportunity to forage, ideally out in the open. The next best thing is using a mobile coop to be able to move them around to give them access to a new spot of fresh plants and insects once every few days or so.

That’s it for today!
John