Along with bread making, embroidering and gardening, locals’ interest in raising their own chickens grew during the pandemic last year. Whether it’s been a longtime dream or a recently realized aspiration, here are some things to consider before owning and taking care of your own chickens.
PLANNING FOR POULTRY
Unless you have land that is already recognized as agricultural property, the first thing you’ll want to do is check in with your homeowners’ association and the city’s ordinances to verify what you’re legally allowed to do on your land. Sometimes cities and local entities limit aspects of chicken raising, like how many chickens you can have, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
After that, the second thing you’ll need to do is build a coop. Protection for the chickens should be top of mind when building a coop.
“The coop needs to be fortified so predators can’t dig under,” Southlake resident Kenlyn Jones says. “We protect them from things like hawks and bobcats.”
Kenlyn owns land near Lake Grapevine and has raised chickens for almost 10 years.
“We decided to start raising chickens for two reasons — I have a large family, and my children love all things animals,” Kenlyn says. “I also loved the idea of organic eggs.”
EGGS GALORE
One of the biggest reasons people raise chickens is for their eggs.
“[Fresh eggs] taste a lot better [and] they have really bright yellow yolks,” resident Paula Keller says.
Paula, who has a farm in Southlake, currently has nine chickens in her coop.
“My red and black chickens lay big eggs and our little Polish hens are laying white eggs. They’re a little bit smaller,” Paula says.
Chickens will lay eggs from the spring into the fall, according to the Farmers’ Almanac, ensuring you will never run out.
“We are currently down to about 30 [chickens],” Kenlyn says. “Most of them are older at this point, so we get about a dozen eggs a day.”
HEN LOWS AND HIGHS
Along with protecting hens from predators, caring for chickens also involves dealing with their manure.
“I think the worst part about having chickens is having to clean the chicken coop,” Kenlyn says. “They are so dirty and will poop anywhere and everywhere that they choose.”
Despite the hardships that come with raising chickens, both Paula and Kenlyn say they adore their hens.
“They love to run and play in the yard,” Paula says. “When they see us, they’re just like pets. They run to you, they’re so excited to see you.”
Kenlyn loves her chickens so much that she started adhering to a vegetarian diet.
“They all have so many personalities and are such funny little things. They are much like having dogs and cats,” Kenlyn says. “They follow you around, they get into everything and they jump on your lap for a cuddle.”