Public interest in keeping backyard chickens is currently undergoing a huge surge. The idea of having fresh eggs from a known source straight from your back garden along with the intrigue of having chickens as pets is generating interest around the world.

1. Are chickens a difficult animal to own?

Chickens are quite straightforward to keep. One of the fundamentals is that they are a social animal so keeping at least a pair or even three is essential. This does not reduce the amount of time and care needed to maintain their health everyday but is an important factor to know going in.

2. Am I legally allowed to build a chicken coop in my yard?

Before rushing out to the hardware store to get your two by fours and chicken wire, be sure to check with your municipality about limits or bans with regards to keeping chickens. Typically hens are looked more favorably upon than roosters for noise reasons but as hens do not require a rooster to lay eggs, this isn't a cause for concern. More and more major urban centers are allowing residents to keep small chicken coops now but it is definitely worth checking this out before cracking out your hammer.

3. Do I start with young chickens or adults?

There are distinct advantages to beginning your chicken husbandry with chicks. They will get to know you and get used to being handled making them much more like a typical house pet. It's not uncommon to find a tame chicken snoozing in their owner's lap after a hard day's work!

If you're still researching and haven't started building your chicken coop yet, I'd recommend visiting urbanchickencoop for some great tips and links.

I'm just a guy obsessed with all things related to chicken coops.

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