The First Step

The first thing that you need to do when starting a flock is to find out if it is legal for you to have chickens where you are. While the number of cities that are allowing backyard flocks is rising there are still places where they are outlawed. Later I will talk about ways to get the laws changed so that you can have a flock. I highly recommend checking out the laws and following them because I can't imagine anything worse than having the city tell me that I can't have my girls and to get rid of them not to mention the fines that would most likely come with a removal order.

The laws regarding chickens are as varied as the breeds that you can have. Some cities say nothing about them in the ordinances, others limit the ways you can sell them. While others still regulate everything from the number of birds to the location of the coop. I have come across some that tell when and how to clean the coop and the number of square feet each bird requires.

There are a few ways to go about reviewing the laws.
1) Google it. Many cities have their laws and ordinances posted online and a simple search of your city and chicken will most likely give you your answers.
3) Call city hall and ask.
2) Go into city hall and talk to animal control or code office to see what information they might have.

Most cities with ordinances will state no roosters or crowing hens and if it doesn't a rooster will most likely  fall under the noise ordinances. So have a plan in place to re-home roosters if you happen to get one or more. One other thought to condenser is talking to your neighbors and about your plans. They are the people most likely to cause you problems over your flock, then again they my want to help you start and neighborhood flock to go along with the neighborhood garden

What the blog is about

          This is the beginning to help those who want to experience the joys of their own back yard flock, along with the stories of my own flock. There will be post about all the things you need to do to set up and manage your own flock. Including information on how to find out about local laws on chickens, the type and size of coop, the different types of feed from 100% organic to the feed store brand. Most importantly information about all the different types of chickens out there, to help you find the breed that is best for you, your climate, space, time, and your family. We will explore the eggs laid by the different breeds, white vs. brown vs. blue vs. green. (Yes you can get blue and green eggs from chickens! : D) All this and more, I hope to provide you more than enough information to make an informed decision about your backyard flock.