If you have decided to raise poultry at home one of the first decisions you need to make is “how many birds can I have?” Most importantly, the number of backyard chickens you keep as pets, and the way you accommodates them depends to a large extent on where your home and what kind of facilities you have at your disposal.
Let’s say you live inside the city or suburbs, and there are no local ordinances against having chickens. Lets also assume you live in a single family residence, and of course your hens will be kept outdoors.
If your yard is small, say 1/4 to 1/3 acre I would advise you plan on not more than two-to-four chickens. You have room for a small coop, and an outside exercise area for your birds while still maintaining some semblance of civility in the eyes of your neighbors. Start with 1 or 2 chicks, raise them to maturity, and get more chicks only if you are sure the yard and the neighbors can handle it.
You want to maintain your backyard pets in a sanitary environment. Sure, you can cram more chickens into a small backyard environment, but your yard will soon be degraded by chicken poop, feathers and hen scratchings. Each hen needs space, just as all animals need territory; and if they are truly your pets you will to respect their need for space. Design and build a decent sized coop and set aside a decent amount of space for your hens to forage and play. All without upsetting the neighbors!
If you are blessed with a larger lot, say ½ acre or more with a generous sized yard, then you should be able to keep 6 or 8 pet hens, if you like, or perhaps more. Now you can plan for full-sized walk-in coop and an adequate fenced area for your pet hens. Again the idea is to provide a healthy environment for your poultry as well as your own family and the neighborhood. Clean, well maintained, and with a coop of adequate proportions to the number of backyard chickens you are keeping.
You know, when it comes to backyard chickens, it all boils down to keeping your hens contented. They like fresh air, space, good feed and fresh bedding. They thrive on the care and attention you give them. In their own way they love you for it, and you really can get attached to them. So final word is, don’t take on more chickens than you can properly care for. And try not to disturb the neighbors.It’s as simple as that!
