THE SCOOP ON A COOP GETTING STARTED


BE SURE IT’S LEGAL. For a database of laws in 700 U.S. cities, log on to BackyardChickens.com/laws. Otherwise, check with the local zoning department.


BUILD A BROODER. Baby chicks must be kept in a draft-free place for 60 days. Create an indoor pen, using a galvanized steel tub, a large dog crate or a cardboard box. Cover the bottom with pine shavings or torn paper towels (do not use newspaper, as the ink can harm chicks). Hang a heat lamp out of reach and keep it set at between 90 and 100° F, decreasing it by five degrees weekly. Make sure the brooder is large enough that chicks can move away from the heat if they wish.


BUY HEALTHY CHICKS. Baby chicks can be bought from farm and ranch stores, or ordered on- line and shipped from commercial hatcheries like CackleHatchery.com.


START SMALL AND SKIP THE ROOSTER. Start with 5 to 10 chicks (never buy just one, because they are very social). Choose a hardy breed known to lay regularly, such as Rhode Island reds or Barred Rock hens. Araucanas lay blue-green eggs and silver laced Wyandottes are among the prettiest chickens. Hens do not need a rooster in order to lay eggs.


BUILD AN OUTDOOR COOP. Some people use a re- cycled storage shed; others build their own, using plans available online. Be sure to have two square feet of coop for each chicken, plus an enclosed outdoor run with four square feet per chicken. Note: In high wildlife areas, a lid on the run is essential.


ENJOY THE EGGS. Chickens start laying after about six months. One hen will produce from 250 to 330 eggs a year, depending on the breed, before slowing down at about 3 years old and ultimately ceasing to lay.


natural awakenings March 2011 45


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