[Vision2020] are you interested in having backyard chickens?

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the "Public Records" section of the May 13, 2009 edition of
the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Moscow Police

Monday

8:38 a.m. - Chickens were reported running loose on Cleveland Street.

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Courtesy of the November 5, 2005 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Chickens as pets? Its definitely an idea that can take wing

Not many people keep chickens in their backyards like we did in the good
ole days. However, once in awhile someone who wanted to have pets that are
not run of the mill might own some chickens that arent kept for laying
eggs or for eventually gracing the dining room table. I would like to
answer some questions for anyone who might want a few chickens around for
fun.

Question: What breeds of chickens are recommended for pets?

Answer: An incredible number of unusual and exotic chickens are advertised
but if you just want a few backyard pets, finding a good source is more
important than seeking a certain type of chicken. Your best bet is to buy
from a poultry farm store that has a year-round supply of chickens. Avoid
the pet store that suddenly has a hundred chickens to sell. If you have a
choice, you might buy pygmy chickens called Bantams. They are small, cute,
friendly and come in a variety of colors.

Question: For anyone starting from scratch, is it difficult to raise
chickens?

Answer: No, but they must be kept warm. An 18-inch high cardboard box with
newspapers on the bottom makes a good pen. Use a gooseneck lamp to keep
the temperature at 85 to 90 degrees F. Lower the temperature about 5
degrees a week until room temperature is reached. This accustoms the
chicks to the outdoor climate when it is time to move them to a pen or
yard. A simple shelter and a six by six foot fenced yard are adequate for
a dozen chickens.

Question: Do hens or roosters make the best pets?

Answer: One of each is a good idea. Keeping chickens can be an education
experience and having them produce baby chicks is part of the fun.
Naturally both hens and a rooster are necessary if you want the pleasure
of observing a chicken family.

Question: Will pet hens lay eggs if no rooster is around?

Answer: Yes, but no romance means no chicks. The eggs will not be fertile.
After you discover where the is laying eggs, build a nest box, fill it
with hay and put it in that location. Such a box is usually the hens first
choice for egg laying. A hen will sit on her eggs till they hatch. Remove
unfertilized eggs promptly to avoid a rotten egg problem.

Question: What is a good poultry diet?

Answer: A local feed store sells laying mash or growing mash, depending on
the age and function of you chickens. Food and water should always be
available in the chicken pen or house. Table scraps and weed or lawn
clippings are good supplements. Dont worry if your hens look for bugs and
worms in the garden. Grit is important to aid digestion and to provide
calcium for stronger egg shells.

Question: How long will a pet chicken live?

Answer: Pet chickens are hardy and usually free from disease. They can
live from six to 10 years. Active egg production declines when the hen is
between three and four years old.

Question: Can one chicken be raised in the house?

Answer: A chicken in the house is usually a pretty smelly pet. Also, if
the chicken is put with a flock at a later time, it is apt to have
personality problems. An established group of chickens can peck a newcomer
unmercifully.

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As for me, I like chickens . . . fried.

Seeya round twon, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown