Hey, There's a Chicken in Your Yard!

When you think of raising chickens, you think of farming, or at least I do! So when I recently learned that you can raise chickens in town, here in our small town of Independence, Kansas, I was a bit (okay, a lot) surprised.

But, to be perfectly honest, I think it's a great idea! What better way to help save money and eat naturally! And all our city asks is that you pay for a $2 permit a year (vs. a $200 fine if you're caught without the permit), which is good for as many chickens as you want to raise. However, you do need to keep their area clean and keep the noise down. So yes, it's not a super easy chore, but in the end, I believe it will be worth the effort.

Now that's just Independence, KS's requirements, and every town has their own rules and regulations, so you'll need to check into your area's. And, in addition to your city's requirements, you should be ready for outside critters and any other thieves who may find your chicken investment as a welcoming and free meal.You'll also want to be prepared for any neighbor complaints, which I certainly hope doesn't happen.

Also, if you have kids, you should expect that they'll want to keep a chicken for a pet and while you may want to respond with a no, you could allow them a chicken that lays eggs so you and your kids are both winners in the end. Plus, it's a good education tool for farming know-how and teaches kids responsibility.

Also, a cage or pen is necessary to keep your birds from straying and anyone who enters your yard such as the local utility meter-readers from accidentally setting them free.

 For more information on how to raise chickens, checkout these books at our Independence Local Library, or visit your local bookstore.

• 4-H Guide to Raising Chickens 
• Veterinary guide for animal owners : caring for cats, dogs, chickens, sheep, cattle, rabbits, and more 
• Storey's guide to raising chickens 
• Your chickens : a kid's guide to raising and showing 
• The joy of keeping chickens : the ultimate guide to raising poultry for fun or profit 
• ABC of poultry raising : a complete guide for the beginner or expert 
• Backyard poultry raising 
• Barnyard in your backyard : a beginner's guide to raising chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep, and cattle 
• Fresh food from small spaces : the square-inch gardener's guide to year-round growing, fermenting, and sprouting