Not everybody can live on a farm, but some people are raising backyard chickens in the city anyway, dang it!
We live on an acre of land, and within our city laws we are allowed to have a variety of farm animals. For others, they have to make do with lots of 1/8 acre or even smaller. The good news is that chickens don’t need a lot of land to be happy. They are simple animals, really.
Raising backyard chickens in the city is becoming more and more popular, and city laws are slowly changing to adapt to this new “chicken lifestyle”. (well, with the exception of Michigan. C’mon Michigan!)
So, how can it be done? How can you raise backyard chickens in the city and produce eggs for your family while keeping your backyard clean and smelling fresh?
It’s easier than you might think, and Kelly Liston from the blog Oh Lardy, is doing just that. Together, with her husband and 3 adorable kids, Kelly is living the dream by enjoying the perks of the city and farm all in her backyard!
From raising them holistically, to increasing egg production & health through fermented chicken feed, Kelly is the queen of raising a gorgeous flock of chickens in a limited amount of space!
I had a blast interviewing Kelly laughing about the hilarious experiences with chicken-raising and learning her successful tips on raising them holistically.
Click here to learn about Kelly’s tips for working with city laws, choosing chicks or pullets, & creating superpowered egg-layers through her fermented feed!
Hi DaNelle,
I was wondering if you could recommend a chicken dewormer. My chickens seem to be really thin, and their feathers are looking kind of dull. I read that is a sign of worms. Thank you!
Hi Danni-
Molly’s Herbals are great! https://fiascofarm.com/herbs/wormer.htm#:~:text=Molly's%20Herbals%20Worm%20Formula%3A,after%20they%20have%20been%20wormed.
DaNelle worms all her animals with them. Here’s how she makes it into a smoothie for goats, etc.: https://www.weedemandreap.com/natural-goat-dewormer/
You can also add diatomaceous earth and/or pumpkin seeds to their feed.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi DaNelle,
I have been considering starting a mealworm farm. Freeze-dried mealworms are just so expensive, and it is so cheap to raise them. Would this be a good idea? Any thoughts would be very helpful! Thank you!
Hi Danielle-
Never raised them before so can’t offer a lot of information. It does seem if you can raise them and keep them going they are very economical.
I recommend doing your research and when you think you’re ready give it a go.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello DaNelle,
My chickens have been roosting outside on their perches. Probably because it gets really hot inside their roosting area during summer. Now that the monsoon season has come, they still won’t leave their outside perches at night, even when it pours. Lately, I have been placing them back in their coop….soaking wet! Is it healthy for chickens to get that wet, all night? Can they get sick?
Hi Danielle-
While chickens aren’t overly fond of being wet, they do ok in the rain as long as it’s not cold and windy. Summertime rains are something most chickens can deal with. They may get uncomfortable, but it usually won’t make them sick, as long as they are healthy to start with and have proper nutrition.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hello DaNelle,
I have got 4 Australorps, and recently I have noticed that some of the feathers on their neck are half missing. The tops were picked, but the roots of the feathers are still attached. I read that a new feather will not grow until it is completely out, and their next molt won’t be until next year. Should I pull the half-picked feathers out? Or would it cause bleeding? Thank you so much, and I look forward to your answer.
Hi Danielle-
No, I wouldn’t pull the feathers. However, if you can identify the cause of this and stop it, that would help your chickens.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Thank you very much for the information! I just wanted to say I love your website! You guys are so knowledgeable about animals, and I appreciate all your articles and posts!
Yeah, you are right about these birds, they are simple and manageable. I’ve been having them for over 5 years now and it is all benefits. One thing you need to make sure is that they won’t become prey to anything. Last year, we started noticing that eggs went missing and shocked to notice it was the coons who did it. I was shocked and tried many ways to keep them away. As a last resort we had to call in humane raccoon control service, Hawkeye Birds & Animal Control (Toronto). They captured and relocated those bandits and now the chickens are all safe now.
I too am a farm girl wanna be and until we can actually afford the land of our dreams we are making do with what we are allowed. This has been very generous considering we are renting in a urban setting and currently have 3 dogs, a rabbit, 3 geckos and 5 backyard chickens. The chickens are a new acquisition as of 16 mo ago. This past January each of the chickens ended up with balled spots. I have asked anyone I can think of to help out but no one seems quite sure what is going on. At first I thought they were molting but this has been going on for 8 months now. I have tried dusting for mites, applying anti-cannibalism lotion to dye the skin, even dug out their entire coop and scrubbed and sanitized every surface. Every now and then I will see new feather sheath starting to grow and feathers fill in but never for long. It appears that when a chicken develops as area of concern that area remains a problem and It is not always in the same location on a different bird. Anyone have ideas? We have become so attached and they really are a sorry looking flock that started off so beautifully. I am also concerned that they could get frost bite on those areas once the cold weather moves in again. I am open to any suggestions. Thanks!
I am a birdwatcher and i have read about mites causing bald spots here is a link about chicken mites https://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/laura_e_john/ hope this helps ! !
I’ve wanted chickens for so long, and we have the land for it, but we’re renting a house, so I don’t know if the laws will let us or if the landlord will let us. 🙁