A Flock of Your Own

An expert reveals the secrets of raising backyard chickens, from the joy it brings to the work it takes

- BY KELLY AIGLON

A round 13% of U.S. households have backyard chickens, according to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine. And they're not just limited to rural areas, as one might think. After all, it's easy to welcome feathered friends anywhere when the U.S. Postal Service ships day-old chicks straight to your home from hatcheries.

Whether you're interested in a more sustainable lifestyle, looking for a new hobby or just hungry for farm-fresh eggs, caring for chickens can be a rewarding pastime. But it's not without a good deal of care and effort, says Christy Caplan, a writer with Chicken Whisperer magazine and keeper of 20-plus chickens. “You have to do a lot of research first,” she says.

Caplan offers tips for the chicken curious, whether you already have a flock or are just getting started.

Size Up Your Land

Sure, it's possible to keep chickens at home. But you should check your local regulations before getting started. And then the question is: How many chickens can you have? “Lots of people have chickens in urban areas without a big yard,” Caplan says. “All you need is a small coop and run, and you can get those easily online. But if you don't have a lot of space, you should only have two or so hens. Chickens need room to roam.”

A good rule of thumb is having 2 to 3 sq. ft. per chicken per coop. This ensures that chickens have enough room to strut their stuff. Otherwise, they can get irritable and start to bully others, according to Caplan.

If you want a larger flock and have the space, consider free ranging. “When your chickens have the run of the yard, they tend to be happier and healthier,” Caplan says. “You'll know when you have happy chickens. They are busy scratching and pecking ... doing chicken stuff.”