Whether you live in the open countryside, have a suburban backyard or access to an urban lot, you may be able to raise chickens. Although originally thought of as something to snicker and poke fun at, backyard chickens are all the rage in the natural living movement.  Not to mention the fact that commercial chickens are kept in battery cages with arsenic compounds in their feed under inhumane conditions with lacking compassion, nearly any eco-friendly omelets lover will be racing to adopt a few hens.

Raising poultry within an urban setting provides eggs, fertilizer, garden help and meat- all with nominal cost to our earth. Our culture has endured decades of disconnection from our food, bringing the “farm” into the city, can offer a necessary reminder regarding agriculture and food awareness. It is this disturbing disconnection with our food system that has allowed for the appalling conditions now found in factory egg and chicken barns throughout our Nation.

Another little known fact? Free range eggs are actually much healthier than those in the supermarket. They offer less cholesterol and saturated fat, more vitamin B, beta carotene, vitamin E and omega-3s. But how does one begin?

First look into local ordinances in your city. Municipalities are appreciating the capability of backyard livestock and, with apposite public pressure, are altering local to allow chickens. According to Mother Earth News, in 2003 only 4 metropolitan cities did not allow chickens while 8 others allowed them in unlimited quantities. Each city and town varies. To find exact local codes for your area visit the American legal publishing code library at www.amlegal.com or the Municipal Code Corporation at www.municode.com.

After exploring your legal options and codes, coops are next on the to-do-list. Urban chicken coops are easy to build. Little is required for chickens to thrive and plans and instruction are plentiful on Google. Remember to allow your chickens 4-5 feet of room per hen, offer enough nests and roosts as that is their natural instinct and leave an earthen floor with deep layer of organic matter. However, for those looking for a pre-constructed, pretty coop, check out Omlet’s uber fashionable and oh-so-easy urban chicken coop (www.omlet.us). Even a non-poultry lover can hardly say no after seeing these super efficient coops!

Many farmer’s unions or feed stores have chicks available in the spring. Inquire locally. Also, remember to ask about watering and fencing supplies and options if interested. Personally I would urge first-time chicken newbies to avoid the conventional homestead flock. This method confines the birds to their coop and a small static chicken run. The birds rapidly consume or trample all vegetation and droppings accumulate. It is much more eco-friendly and humane to let the chickens get some much needed exercise, sunshine and free range forging time if possible.  Chickens will happily devour bugs and weeds throughout your backyard. There are also commercial chicken feeds available, although these are not necessary at all. Instead, allow the chickens to help clean up your garden. Save your vegetable matter for your own flock. Chickens will even gleefully delight in table scraps!

Urban Chickens promote biodiversity, self-sufficiency, animal rights, local food options, a deeper connection to our food supply and a reduced footprint.

For more information regarding urban chickens see these resources:
Mother Earth News: Incredible Homestead Chickens; www.motherearthnews.com

Mad City Chickens. Frequently asked Questions and Resources www.madcitychickens.com

Backyard Chickens; Raising Chickens 101
www.backyardchickens.com

Bring on the backyard omelet!