I L-O-V-E these creatures. A friend once said they’re like backyard goldfish, and I couldn’t agree more. They crack me up, their poo is great for our garden, they eat bugs, and give us (and some other lucky folks we know) sustenance on the regular—whats not to love? We live on almost half an acre in the suburbs, and our city allows 6 chickens per property. For us, it seemed a logical step toward sustainable living to figure out how to have them around. It also makes me feel a smidge more secure knowing that if things get shut down (you know, due to a global pandemic, for example) that between a garden, bees, chickens and the power of food preservation, we very technically have most of what we need to get along just fine.
My husband, Andy, designed and built a beautiful chicken coop and run. He also created a super low-maintenance feeding and watering system so that most of the time we—nope, the kids—simply have to go out and collect eggs and check food/water levels. As far as free-range, they used to roam the yard daily, but thanks to the neighborhood hawks their outings have been reduced and need supervision.
We had chickens when I was younger, and while I don’t remember them much, I was always aware of how terrified my sister was (is) of them. It seems as though that fear has passed onto our oldest daughter, who will scream-cry if they get too close. Which is, to her dismay, one of the most hilarious things ever. On the opposite end is our oldest son, third child, brave as hell who will crawl into the run to retrieve a wayward egg, or a dropped kitchen scrap bowl no problem.
Alright, so talking about what we already have is all well and good, but let’s delve into how we actually got here. I can tell you right now that Andy was not even the tiniest bit interested in chickens once upon a time. Not only was he not into the idea, he was adamantly opposed. Our conversations and random comments concerning the subject were only a quick clash and then we’d move on.
“Let’s get chickens!”
“No.”
“Can we pleeeeeeeeeease get chickens.”
“No.”
“Your parents got chickens!”
“No.”
Little did I know, Andy’s hesitancy was merely a concern of how much maintenance these creatures required. *Would we ever be able to go anywhere because they need so much; they smell; are tasks going to fall on him because everyone will get bored with them; can we even have these creatures in the suburbs; etc…* The day Andy finally started to see over these barriers and began considering what it would look like to actually do this was a process—nothing overnight here! I’ll admit, we switched our normal dreamer/settler roles for this endeavor. He’s usually the one with all the ideas and I’m the one who anchors those ideas. In this instance, Andy heard my crazy idea (CHICKENS IN SUBURBIA!) and began to research and consider ways we could make it an actual possibility. This has been years in the making, so no need to rush, friends.
Problem: Coop and run.
Our solution: Imagine what would work for us—i.e. Andy designed and built what he wanted/needed it to be. This could be different for everyone.
How to apply a solution to your situation: Make plans for a custom coop/run and build it; download plans for a coop/run to build; if budget is no object, visit your nearest Amish store and pick one up; if budget is an issue, there are plenty of affordable options for small runs at places like Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply, or even online. We’d encourage you to get creative either way!
Problem: Would we ever be able to go anywhere because they need so much/all tasks will eventually fall on one person (the one who doesn’t want them in the first place).
Our solution: Automatic gravity food and water system using PVC pipe and 10 gallon, lidded plastic garbage bins. (Google it)! Ask awesome neighbors and/or family to check in on the birds at least every other day to collect eggs.
How to apply a solution to your situation: Research how to create an automatic feeding and watering system that only needs a bi-weekly (maybe even only monthly) refill depending on your birds and build it, or ask a handy friend for help; if you have awesome neighbors or family members, ask them to check on the birds and feed/water them daily and to collect eggs (and keep them as a thank-you!).
Problem: They smell.
Our solution: Place coop/run a reasonable distance from your home and primary backyard hangout spot.
How to apply a solution to your situation: If you don’t have a yard where the coop/run can be a reasonable distance from your home, consider two chickens and a smaller coop that can be quickly cleaned when they get smelly. Furthest corner works, no matter what size your yard may be.
Problem: Can we even have chickens in our town?
Our solution: We observed that a neighbor on our street has chickens and noticed a few other coops around the town. We went ahead and checked city ordinance on our city’s website to make sure and found we could have up to 6 chickens.
How to apply a solution to your situation: Call the city or look it up online! Talk to your neighbors about what you’re doing.
This has been a worthwhile endeavor, to say the least. It’s fun, they’re funny little dumb-dumbs that are easy to provide for and the reward is well worth it. It makes us feel as though we’re contributing to the earth, and some of the creatures in it. For us, in taking care of animals that provide something to us, it’s a physical representation of how we as living things can help provide for each other. They may not know the difference, but we do and we feel privileged to participate in it.
We’re constantly learning and asking questions. It’s all far from perfect (i.e. the issue of when the chickens have scratched/dug a hole in the corner of the run AND what the hell to do when the birds are plucking out their own feathers, among other things)…so stay tuned!
The Hill Fort 