Backyard Chickens

Why Backyard Chickens Might Be Appealing

Although chickens can be a great addition to your backyard, they can pose challenges in more ways than one. The attraction of having a fresh supply of eggs just steps away from your door is more tempting than ever, especially with the rising cost of eggs. Plus, they can be a fantastic way to reduce food waste by eating your scraps and even help keep your backyard bug population down.

However, the decision to keep chickens goes beyond just the joy of fresh eggs; there are some risks and challenges that you should understand before committing to raising them in your backyard.

Challenges of Owning Chickens

While chickens can be low-maintenance animals in some ways, there are various challenges associated with raising them:

1. Early Morning Noise
   Chickens are naturally early risers, often waking at dawn. This can be problematic if you value your sleep or have a busy schedule. Roosters are notorious for their loud crowing at all hours of the morning, but hens can also be noisy, especially when they’re laying eggs. If you live in a suburban or urban area, it’s important to consider how your chickens’ noise might affect your neighbors and whether local ordinances or HOA rules permit the keeping of chickens.
2. Care Expense
   Like any other pet, chickens require proper care. You’ll need to provide them with a balanced diet, bedding for their coop and medical care if necessary. This means regular costs for feed, cleaning supplies and potential vet visits. While you might save money on eggs in the long run, the upfront and ongoing costs of maintaining a flock of chickens should not be overlooked.
3. Attracting Predators and Vermin
   The presence of chickens often attracts a variety of predators. Raccoons, foxes, hawks and even stray dogs can be a threat to your flock. But it’s not always just larger predators you have to worry about. Chickens can also draw in smaller vermin such as rats and mice, which could lead to more serious infestations around your property. Keeping your chickens safe requires building secure coops and fencing, and managing vermin to prevent these unwanted guest.

Health Risks of Having Chickens

Chickens, like any other animals, can carry diseases that may impact their health and, in some cases, pose a risk to humans.

1. Campylobacteriosis
   Camplylobacteriosis is often transmitted through consumption of undercooked eggs or improper handling of poultry. This disease can cause digestive issues in humans.

2. Chlamydophilosis (Psittacosis)
   Psittacosis is a less common but serious bacterial infection that can be transmitted from chickens to humans. Symptoms include fever, chills and respiratory problems. It’s especially important to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with chicken droppings to minimize exposure.

3. Salmonellosis
   A bacterial infection causing diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Infection occurs through direct contact with chickens or contaminated surfaces.

4. Histoplasmosis
   A fungal infection caused by breathing in spores from chicken droppings, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

5. Avian Influenza
   Avian Influenza, or bird flu, has become a growing concern in recent months. While the media often focuses on outbreaks in commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks are not immune to the risks. Because they are less regulated and monitored, smaller flocks may be more exposed to the virus. Although it is not as easily transmitted as some other poultry diseases, Avian Influenza can lead to severe illness in humans. Infected birds may show symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge and swollen eyes.

Before committing to raising chickens, make sure you have the proper facilities, resources and knowledge to help keep them healthy and safe.

Stay tuned for next month’s blog, where we’ll take a closer look at Avian Influenza and how to keep your chickens safe from this dangerous disease.