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Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic
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Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
 United States
5/28/2009 1:58 PM
Report abusive post | Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic
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Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic
By Kathy Lohr
[link to www.npr.org]
Chickens aren't just for farms anymore. That's right — urban hens are hip. Across the country, city dwellers — attracted by the idea of having fresh eggs, a new hobby or even unique pets — are keeping flocks.
Allison Adams, writer and avid organic gardener, has a flock of seven hens in the backyard of her home in Decatur, Ga., not far from Atlanta. A few years ago, Adams saw an article about raising chickens and then approached her neighbor with the idea.
"I love fresh eggs. I love having fertilizer production right in the backyard, so I thought, 'Well, if it's legal, I should probably investigate it,' " Adams says.
Adams and her neighbor, Bill DeLoach, converted a lawnmower shed into a chicken coop and got some baby chicks. Their seven chickens are now 4 years old and produce about 30 eggs a week.
And they have names — royal ones at that. Adams and DeLoach got clever, opting for a queen theme. Among them are Latifah, Ethel and Lucy (queens of comedy), Mary Flannery (queen of Southern gothic), Liliuokalani (a Hawaiian queen), and even one called "Foraday."
You can't see or smell the coop from the street. It's in the backyard surrounded by a fence and some chicken wire. The chicken runs are built so both Adams and DeLoach can watch the multicolored flock from their yards.
"The chickens are pretty relaxing. They scratch around eating, chirping. They're fun to watch," says DeLoach.
"Sometimes in the evening, we'll all get together back here and have cocktails," Adams says.
Chicks And The City
The backyard chicken movement is catching on, thanks no doubt to the variety of resources for people who want to learn more about keeping chickens in their backyards. There are Web sites, coop tours, and in Atlanta, there's even a class called "Chicks and the City." The class, offered through a community garden's education program, teaches everything would-be urban chicken farmers need to know.
Instructor Jonathan Watts Hull tells the class where to get chickens, what to feed them and how to design their coops.
"What you want to provide your chickens, at a minimum, is a place where they get inside from the weather that is ventilated, that gives them a place to roost and a place for them to lay their eggs," Watts Hull says.
Though some leave the class realizing raising chickens may be more demanding than they first thought, others are not deterred. Students David Cotton and Kelly Enzor had already decided to build a coop.
"Yeah, I got plans this past week, and I went and bought most of the wood for the framing of it," says Cotton.
Cotton and Enzor say their neighbors are OK with their coop plans.
"A woman who lives across the street is really interested in teaching her daughter where your food comes from, so she wants to come over while we collect the eggs and things so her daughter can really have that connection to her food," says Enzor. "It'll be great."
The Chicken Whisperer
Some cities don't allow residents to keep chickens, because they worry about the noise, the smell and the rodents that are attracted to the feed. And, of course, there are those who say they don't want chickens next door. Yet many are taking another look at the idea.
Andy Schneider, known as Atlanta's "Chicken Whisperer," lives in the suburbs. He started a Web site and Internet radio show for people interested in keeping backyard flocks.
"Lots of cities across the country are changing their laws," Schneider says.
Schneider says his group persuaded Gulfport, Fla., to allow chickens, and now they're working on a case in Roswell, Ga., after someone filed a complaint against one man who's kept a flock for years.
"When we go to cities, a lot of times we'll ask them, 'Why don't you want your citizens to lead a more self-sustaining lifestyle? Why don't you want your citizens to save some money in this hard economic time by allowing them to raise backyard poultry?'" Schneider says. "And I'm telling you, Animal Control, I'm sure, gets way more calls from barking dogs and dogs running loose and cats than they ever have from backyard poultry."
Many cities allow people to keep hens — just not roosters — including Seattle; Madison, Wis.; and Raleigh, N.C. And chickens are so popular, there's a shortage. According to some hatcheries and feed stores, orders for chicks take four to six weeks.
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 590330
United States
5/28/2009 2:00 PM | |
Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
United States
5/28/2009 2:01 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
Quoting: Anonymous Coward 590330
Thanks AC!!
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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malu
User ID: 593162
United States
5/28/2009 2:14 PM
 | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;)
When peaceful revolution becomes impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.
"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking." |
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Angel Girl on Cloud 9 nli
User ID: 689718 (OP)
United States
5/28/2009 2:21 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;) Quoting: malu
Thats true Malu more and more people I have been talking to are going to these measures.
The sad thing is so many are also saying that their town ordinances even in smaller rural areas don't let you have chickens and rabbits. Just more control I guess. |
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malu
User ID: 593162
United States
5/28/2009 2:25 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;)
Thats true Malu more and more people I have been talking to are going to these measures.
The sad thing is so many are also saying that their town ordinances even in smaller rural areas don't let you have chickens and rabbits. Just more control I guess. Quoting: Angel Girl on Cloud 9 nli 689718
absolutely
they would much rather see their citizens dependent on welfare than grow their own food. the last time this was really popular was during WWII and it really made a difference in the health of the population
if you could add a small milking goat to the mix you would be way ahead of the curve. butter was like gold during the last major depression
When peaceful revolution becomes impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.
"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking." |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 533505
United States
5/28/2009 2:36 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We have 22 chickens that we call the girls. my husband built them a really nice hen house with two picture windows! I live in the country so chickens aren't rare here, but it seems like more people would have them than do. Chickens are really easy to care for and they are peaceful critters. I enjoy having them a lot. I don't raise them for the meat, but for the eggs which I sell to the neighbors or use as trade for other things I need. I only feed them organic feed, and suppliment their diet with fresh veggies. The eggs taste great. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 586290
United States
5/28/2009 2:37 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;) Quoting: malu
15 x 30 pool,
I wonder how much catfish I can get out of that and what kind of aeration system would be required to prevent them from all dieing. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 483535
United States
5/28/2009 2:39 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
This is true! There's this hen and rooster that run around here, and NOW...........
They done went and had 11 babies under my porch!
They're sooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I give 'em food.......
I wonder if I can keep one? |
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Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
United States
5/28/2009 2:41 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
absolutely
they would much rather see their citizens dependent on welfare than grow their own food. the last time this was really popular was during WWII and it really made a difference in the health of the population
if you could add a small milking goat to the mix you would be way ahead of the curve. butter was like gold during the last major depression Quoting: malu
Very true and many would love to be dependent and not see the truth of what is going on.
For those that see the writing and are prepping , you are right a goat or two would help be of tremendous help. Said thing is many are running into zoning laws, and all sorts of bs to just try to help themselves and others.
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
United States
5/28/2009 2:42 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We have 22 chickens that we call the girls. my husband built them a really nice hen house with two picture windows! I live in the country so chickens aren't rare here, but it seems like more people would have them than do. Chickens are really easy to care for and they are peaceful critters. I enjoy having them a lot. I don't raise them for the meat, but for the eggs which I sell to the neighbors or use as trade for other things I need. I only feed them organic feed, and suppliment their diet with fresh veggies. The eggs taste great. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 533505
Sweet Ac., your house for them sounds too cute. I have a small chandelier in mine...lol
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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malu
User ID: 593162
United States
5/28/2009 2:43 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;)
15 x 30 pool,
I wonder how much catfish I can get out of that and what kind of aeration system would be required to prevent them from all dieing. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 586290
[link to www.motherearthnews.com]
[link to www.kurtsaxon.com]
also research hydroponic gardening as they have hybrid systems to raise fish and food production, the systems compliment each other
one of our own here used to do this in the mountains of colorado, indoors
When peaceful revolution becomes impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.
"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking." |
|
malu
User ID: 593162
United States
5/28/2009 2:44 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
This is true! There's this hen and rooster that run around here, and NOW...........
They done went and had 11 babies under my porch!
They're sooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I give 'em food.......
I wonder if I can keep one? Quoting: Anonymous Coward 483535
you may keep all of them
it is written, it is law ;)
When peaceful revolution becomes impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.
"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking." |
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DoomRaider 
Yes, I'm Female...
User ID: 688749
United States
5/28/2009 2:47 PM
 | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We've talked about chickens, but we just haven't brought ourselves to that point.
Chicken fertilizer that is put out twice a year in the pasture makes me want to move to another country.
Thanks for the info, Angel. I'm gonna save it (just in case). |
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Phoenix 2012 
Senior Forum Moderator
User ID: 666617
United States
5/28/2009 2:49 PM
 | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
Fresh eggs daily here and chicken available for the table when it is desired.
E-mail:bans@godlikeproductions.com.
Inquiring about a ban?, include the IP address found here. [link to www.showmyip.com]
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Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
United States
5/28/2009 2:51 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We've talked about chickens, but we just haven't brought ourselves to that point.
Chicken fertilizer that is put out twice a year in the pasture makes me want to move to another country.
Thanks for the info, Angel. I'm gonna save it (just in case). Quoting: DoomRaider
Your welcome sweet friend!!
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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malu
User ID: 593162
United States
5/28/2009 2:59 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
chicken tractor
[link to home.centurytel.net]
When peaceful revolution becomes impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.
"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking." |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 586290
United States
5/28/2009 2:59 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;)
15 x 30 pool,
I wonder how much catfish I can get out of that and what kind of aeration system would be required to prevent them from all dieing. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 586290
I could use the sand filter that's on it now to vacuum that good old fertilizer from the bottom, but I would like to see a bit smaller pump for aeration. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 586290
United States
5/28/2009 3:00 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
rabbits are also suited for this, for meat production. raising fish in above ground pools will yield a tremendous amount of meat. both are fertilizer making machines ;)
15 x 30 pool,
I wonder how much catfish I can get out of that and what kind of aeration system would be required to prevent them from all dieing.
[ link to www.motherearthnews.com]
[ link to www.kurtsaxon.com]
also research hydroponic gardening as they have hybrid systems to raise fish and food production, the systems compliment each other
one of our own here used to do this in the mountains of colorado, indoors
Thanks for the links. |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 688270
United States
5/28/2009 3:02 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
It's a cool idea until they start factoring in the cost of chicken feed.
Better find alot of dumpster lettuce to feed 'em.
Also, there's a trick in winter, vinegar in their water will keep them laying all winter. Can't recollect the ratio just now. |
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malu
User ID: 593162
United States
5/28/2009 3:10 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
It's a cool idea until they start factoring in the cost of chicken feed.
Better find alot of dumpster lettuce to feed 'em.
Also, there's a trick in winter, vinegar in their water will keep them laying all winter. Can't recollect the ratio just now. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 688270
we would feed our chickens our table scraps,minus meat, and they would free range plus supplements
When peaceful revolution becomes impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.
"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking." |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 670454
United States
5/28/2009 3:18 PM | |
Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
United States
5/28/2009 3:20 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
Quoting: Anonymous Coward 670454
Thanks for the links AC!
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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White Hat
User ID: 525020
United States
5/28/2009 3:27 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
The only tiny problem with this is that when you buy property (within a developement - urban), you have to consent to the deed restrictions.
I work in the field and know of at least 122 of these 'communities", "subdivisions", "master plan developements", "associations" .... HOA's:
WHICH STATE THAT IT IS A DEED VIOLATION TO ALLOW ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ON THE LOT OR PROPERTY.
Which simply means that your HOA can and will put a lien on your house unless you remove the animals.
With that said (and these deed restrictions are emulated over the past 30 years)... many older subdivisions don't care!
But if your HOA does, or your neighbor does... you will be liable because you sign an agreement to adhere to those DR's upon closing with your title company.
America the free?? No. That was happening over 400 years ago before the fences. (and the fencing rules) |
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Druid
User ID: 500901
United States
5/28/2009 3:31 PM
 | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We have 22 chickens that we call the girls. my husband built them a really nice hen house with two picture windows! I live in the country so chickens aren't rare here, but it seems like more people would have them than do. Chickens are really easy to care for and they are peaceful critters. I enjoy having them a lot. I don't raise them for the meat, but for the eggs which I sell to the neighbors or use as trade for other things I need. I only feed them organic feed, and suppliment their diet with fresh veggies. The eggs taste great. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 533505
We have seven in a brooder box (nearly coop ready, about a week!) sitting in the living room! :)
Everything else is almost identical to your situation though! Not raising them for meat, just eggs, extensive coop (Ours our getting a stone castle. I'm not kidding....) We probably won't sell many eggs though. (too remote from the neighbors for much of that)
So far they are far more gentle than I had heard they would be, but these are well cared for.
And all the whores and politicians will look up and shout "save us!"
And I'll look down and whisper "No." |
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Angel Girl on Cloud 9
User ID: 689718
United States
5/28/2009 3:47 PM
| | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
The only tiny problem with this is that when you buy property (within a developement - urban), you have to consent to the deed restrictions.
I work in the field and know of at least 122 of these 'communities", "subdivisions", "master plan developements", "associations" .... HOA's:
WHICH STATE THAT IT IS A DEED VIOLATION TO ALLOW ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ON THE LOT OR PROPERTY.
Which simply means that your HOA can and will put a lien on your house unless you remove the animals.
With that said (and these deed restrictions are emulated over the past 30 years)... many older subdivisions don't care!
But if your HOA does, or your neighbor does... you will be liable because you sign an agreement to adhere to those DR's upon closing with your title company.
America the free?? No. That was happening over 400 years ago before the fences. (and the fencing rules) Quoting: White Hat 525020
Thanks for the input White Hat. Yes that is very true and they are making it harder everyday. I have a couple friends live in a smaller town very rural type area and can't.
I love the idea of the people from Path to freedom gowning
almost 10,000 pounds of food, chickens, rabbits and goats on 1/10 of an acre in San Diego . But wonder how they get around zoning laws . Must not have them in their area which is good and more power to them . Just sad for others that would like to work at being self sufficient.
Also on that note know someone that is dealing with only allowed to have so big of a garden in regulations so it doesn't take business away from the grocery store. Oh bother.
"Careful or you will end up in my novel"
Angel |
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ActiveIngredient
User ID: 573652
United States
5/28/2009 4:09 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We have seven in a brooder box (nearly coop ready, about a week!) sitting in the living room! :)
Everything else is almost identical to your situation though! Not raising them for meat, just eggs, extensive coop (Ours our getting a stone castle. I'm not kidding....) We probably won't sell many eggs though. (too remote from the neighbors for much of that)
So far they are far more gentle than I had heard they would be, but these are well cared for. Quoting: Druid
Druid, how long were yours in the brooder box after hatching? Just curious... |
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ALeopardSanctuary
User ID: 695319
United States
6/16/2009 5:49 PM
 | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
We keep chicks for eggs. Not meat. At least two dozen per week pouring in from 6 bantam blood hens.
Brother sun, intuition moon. Home at the forest.
Sure every post I have mentions goat blood...How do you think we get plasma tv's?
Organic needs are being assaulted. I'm not amused by this & encourage all to grow heirloom seed for themselves.
The garden gives greatest power.
Diabetes curing food list [Forget the FDA - Think for yourself]:
[link to www.godlikeproductions.com] |
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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 350912
United States
6/16/2009 6:32 PM | | Re: Backyard Coops Make Chickens Chic | Quote |
The only tiny problem with this is that when you buy property (within a developement - urban), you have to consent to the deed restrictions.
I work in the field and know of at least 122 of these 'communities", "subdivisions", "master plan developements", "associations" .... HOA's:
WHICH STATE THAT IT IS A DEED VIOLATION TO ALLOW ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ON THE LOT OR PROPERTY.
Which simply means that your HOA can and will put a lien on your house unless you remove the animals.
With that said (and these deed restrictions are emulated over the past 30 years)... many older subdivisions don't care!
But if your HOA does, or your neighbor does... you will be liable because you sign an agreement to adhere to those DR's upon closing with your title company.
America the free?? No. That was happening over 400 years ago before the fences. (and the fencing rules) Quoting: White Hat 525020
This is one of the things that really bothers me , I understand when you have a crazy neighbor and the value of the property ,yada ,yada, but thats it. The Hoa should dare only to appear if the neighbor is trying to build the space thingy on the front yard or painting the house pink ( I am talking only about a subdivision , in the country is nobody bussinnes what you do.)We pay ,We own. |
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