More Suburbanites are Raising Chickens

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We are first time city chicken keepers. Well, we live in the suburbs. WE built out coop out of excess plywood and beams we had left over from another project. We use a small dog fence to house the coop and them when we aren't home. They are a lot less trouble and expense than dogs. They are actually a lot quieter than too! And the fresh eggs are so much tastier and healthy than the ones raised in wire cages that can't even turn around!

Diann Bell of VA 3:17PM July 19, 2009

Great Article! I am a member of a forum site called Back 40 Forums. They have 63 boards filled with all kinds of useful information on everything from raising chickens to eating well, gardening and just learning to live on less. You can check it out at www.Back40Forums.com
Herman Beck-Chenoweth

Herman Beck-Chenoweth of MO 11:10AM April 17, 2009

As we look for the silver lining in this current recession it's nice to meet up with kind people who are willing to go that extra mile. Nancy and her staff are always available to help with whatever you need and have great advise.

Shanda Finley of OR 11:21PM April 16, 2009

I love our little Country Feed store in Bend. The girls are so friendly and nice. Their store burnt a year ago and if they deserve some good to come there way now is the time. Take your little kids....its a great trip for them and the girls love to show the animals.

Sara of OR 10:49PM April 16, 2009

As people realize where their foods are coming from I think we will see more and more people trying their hand at gardens and small food sources. Is good for us....

norma of CA 10:35PM April 16, 2009

I love my girls...they are fun to watch and they give us great eggs...thanks for the article and mentioning my little store in Oregon.

Nancy of OR 7:14PM April 16, 2009

Great to see more attention being paid to urban chickens and the efforts of Rob Ludlow over at BackYardChickens.com
If you live in a place where urban chickens aren't legal (or you're not sure if they legal or not), check out the UrbanChickens.net for resources to help you get the ordinances changed in your town to allow chickens in your own backyard.
The fresh eggs, rich fertilizer and hours of entertainment are definitely worth it!

Thomas Kriese of CA 2:03AM April 16, 2009

Feeding recommendations vary depending on whether you’re raising chickens for meat or eggs. They also vary according to age. Here’s a good rule of thumb.
To help get egg-type chickens/pullets off to a healthy start, feed Purina Mills Start & Grow Sun Fresh Recipe. This 18 percent protein ration is perfect for raising laying chicks from hatch to 18 weeks of age or until they initiate egg laying.
For meat-type birds, try Purina Mills Flock Raiser Sun Fresh Recipe. This 20 percent protein, nutrient-rich ration provides top starting, growing and finishing nutrition from hatch to final weight.
Mature birds can graduate to Purina Layena Sun Fresh. This 16 percent protein, high calcium ration is ideal for birds 18 weeks of age or older, whether they are laying eggs or not.
Regardless of which breed, class or variety of chickens you’re raising, these recommendations for health, management and nutrition will help keep your birds happy and healthy for life.
To read more on these tips visit http://www.feeddealer.com/Publications/LOL_PMI/Better_animals/Better_Animals_Family_Flock_july_2008.htm

Diana Van Leuven of MO 11:50PM April 15, 2009

Chickens should be allowed in every city. Pigeons and dogs make more mess than chickens and they don't give you breakfast either. It's great to connect to your food supplyand chickens are fun too.

gardening granny of MI 7:18PM April 15, 2009

This is Rob Ludlow, the owner of http://www.BackYardChickens.com mentioned in this article.
Our community is really excited to see tens of thousands of people all over the US become interested in raising their own small flock of egg machines in their backyard.
We're also hoping that a small flock of chickens will be added to the new Presidential vegetable garden at the White House!

Rob Ludlow of CA 5:26PM April 15, 2009