Backyard Poultry

Chickens can provide eggs for a family although this is not a cost saving practice since they require feed, water, occasional medication, and time. While eggs that are produced in backyard broods are no cheaper than those purchased in local markets, brood owners have a sense of accomplishment, enjoyment, and awareness of food origins when eating homegrown eggs.

For more information about backyard poultry brood maintenance, see the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s publication UNP-0149 Backyard Poultry Egg Production: Know your chickens, know your food. Or you can contact your local Extension agent or visit ACES online at www.aces.edu.

UNP-2094www.aces.edu/urban

Reference

Clauer, P. J. (2010) Small scale poultry production: Raising fowl in urban areas. Penn State Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.psu.edu/publica-tions/um194.

Spencer, R. (2013, September). Backyard poultry egg production: Know your chickens, know your food. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Retrieved from http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/U/UNP-0149/UNP-0149.pdf

For more information, contact:Hunter McBrayer

Urban Regional Extension AgentMarshall County

Alabama A&M UniversityE-mail: rhm0015@aces.edu

Tel: 256.282.2009/205.302.0510

Back to the Basics:

Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemUrban Affairs & New Nontraditional Programs

Hunter McBrayer, Urban Regional Extension Agent, Alabama A&M University

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county’s name to find the number.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome!

Revised, January 2016; UNP-2094

© 2016 by Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved.

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free, resulting in a need for proper disposal of manure. Check with your city councils or local legislative associations for rules and laws pertaining to keeping chickens or other poultry in your area.

Chicken Coops or Hen Houses

Chickens—especially those wanted for meat and egg production—require little space, although a safe location is needed. The space requirements needed per animal depends on the species, breed, and age of the bird and whether the birds will have access to a run or other outdoor exposure. Like other birds, chickens prefer an enclosed roost at night and this roost or coop should be made safe from

predators, including raccoons, opossums, and skunks. Coops should be made so that they can be easily cleaned. Your poultry coop should be large enough to allow proper air circulation but small enough to keep from being too cold and drafty in winter. Adequate space for each bird is important for bird comfort and bird health. Behavioral problems such as pecking and cannibalism may occur without adequate space.

Chicken Feed

Chickens require a balanced diet, especially hens that are being kept for eggs. Like humans, chickens are omnivores, eating both meats and vegetables. While kitchen scraps can be used as a feed supplement, chickens require balanced feed for optimal health and nutrition.

Introduction

Backyard poultry broods can be a great investment for families in both rural and urban settings. A small brood of chickens, turkeys, or ducks can produce adequate protein for a small family. Aside from food production, backyard poultry can provide income, educational opportunities, a sense of responsibility, and peace of mind for those concerned about the origins of food. However, proper management is critical to having a healthy and sustainable brood of poultry. The initial investment for facilities, animals, laws and regulations, and feed are some things to be considered before purchasing the first bird.

Getting Started

Though urban poultry broods are becoming quite popular, there are many city, town, and neighborhood ordinances that may prevent home-owners from keeping backyard chickens. Hiding birds in areas where they are not allowed may result in fines and/or other punishment. Many city ordinances allow chickens, but do not allow roosters or the butchering of animals. Many cities also require housing to be kept clean and odor

Backyard poultry can be profitable, educational, and can provide peace of mind for those concerned about the origins of food.

Courtesy of Jessica Townsel, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

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