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Backyard laying hens seem to have become quite the thing the past few years - local, humane, eco-friendly, and so on. May be questionable whether they're a cost-saver, though. Here's a recent article about pro-hen activism in a suburban community to Seattle's north:<BR>
<A href="http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090615/NEWS01/706159917/0/NEWS010308">http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090615/NEWS01/706159917/0/NEWS010308</A><BR> <BR>
I think we'll have to pass - our cat might give the poor things a heart attack, the chickens would probably displace the quail that frolic in our backyard almost daily, and I wonder how we'd keep them warm enough during a Palouse winter.<BR>
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- Selina<BR>
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<BR>> Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:32:41 -0700<BR>> From: thansen@moscow.com<BR>> To: vision2020@moscow.com<BR>> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] are you interested in having backyard chickens?<BR>> <BR>> Courtesy of the "Public Records" section of the May 13, 2009 edition of<BR>> the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.<BR>> <BR>> ------------------------------------------------------<BR>> <BR>> Moscow Police<BR>> <BR>> Monday<BR>> <BR>> 8:38 a.m. - Chickens were reported running loose on Cleveland Street.<BR>> <BR>> ------------------------------------------------------<BR>> <BR>> Courtesy of the November 5, 2005 edition of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.<BR>> <BR>> ---------------<BR>> <BR>> Chickens as pets? Its definitely an idea that can take wing<BR>> <BR>> Not many people keep chickens in their backyards like we did in the good<BR>> ole days. However, once in awhile someone who wanted to have pets that are<BR>> not run of the mill might own some chickens that arent kept for laying<BR>> eggs or for eventually gracing the dining room table. I would like to<BR>> answer some questions for anyone who might want a few chickens around for<BR>> fun.<BR>> <BR>> Question: What breeds of chickens are recommended for pets?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: An incredible number of unusual and exotic chickens are advertised<BR>> but if you just want a few backyard pets, finding a good source is more<BR>> important than seeking a certain type of chicken. Your best bet is to buy<BR>> from a poultry farm store that has a year-round supply of chickens. Avoid<BR>> the pet store that suddenly has a hundred chickens to sell. If you have a<BR>> choice, you might buy pygmy chickens called Bantams. They are small, cute,<BR>> friendly and come in a variety of colors.<BR>> <BR>> Question: For anyone starting from scratch, is it difficult to raise<BR>> chickens?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: No, but they must be kept warm. An 18-inch high cardboard box with<BR>> newspapers on the bottom makes a good pen. Use a gooseneck lamp to keep<BR>> the temperature at 85 to 90 degrees F. Lower the temperature about 5<BR>> degrees a week until room temperature is reached. This accustoms the<BR>> chicks to the outdoor climate when it is time to move them to a pen or<BR>> yard. A simple shelter and a six by six foot fenced yard are adequate for<BR>> a dozen chickens.<BR>> <BR>> Question: Do hens or roosters make the best pets?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: One of each is a good idea. Keeping chickens can be an education<BR>> experience and having them produce baby chicks is part of the fun.<BR>> Naturally both hens and a rooster are necessary if you want the pleasure<BR>> of observing a chicken family.<BR>> <BR>> Question: Will pet hens lay eggs if no rooster is around?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: Yes, but no romance means no chicks. The eggs will not be fertile.<BR>> After you discover where the is laying eggs, build a nest box, fill it<BR>> with hay and put it in that location. Such a box is usually the hens first<BR>> choice for egg laying. A hen will sit on her eggs till they hatch. Remove<BR>> unfertilized eggs promptly to avoid a rotten egg problem.<BR>> <BR>> Question: What is a good poultry diet?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: A local feed store sells laying mash or growing mash, depending on<BR>> the age and function of you chickens. Food and water should always be<BR>> available in the chicken pen or house. Table scraps and weed or lawn<BR>> clippings are good supplements. Dont worry if your hens look for bugs and<BR>> worms in the garden. Grit is important to aid digestion and to provide<BR>> calcium for stronger egg shells.<BR>> <BR>> Question: How long will a pet chicken live?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: Pet chickens are hardy and usually free from disease. They can<BR>> live from six to 10 years. Active egg production declines when the hen is<BR>> between three and four years old.<BR>> <BR>> Question: Can one chicken be raised in the house?<BR>> <BR>> Answer: A chicken in the house is usually a pretty smelly pet. Also, if<BR>> the chicken is put with a flock at a later time, it is apt to have<BR>> personality problems. An established group of chickens can peck a newcomer<BR>> unmercifully.<BR>> <BR>> ------------------------------------------------------<BR>> <BR>> As for me, I like chickens . . . fried.<BR>> <BR>> Seeya round twon, Moscow.<BR>> <BR>> Tom Hansen<BR>> Moscow, Idaho<BR>> <BR>> "The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change<BR>> and the Realist adjusts his sails."<BR>> <BR>> - Unknown<BR>> <BR>> <BR>> =======================================================<BR>> List services made available by First Step Internet, <BR>> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994. <BR>> http://www.fsr.net <BR>> mailto:Vision2020@moscow.com<BR>> =======================================================<BR> <br /><hr />Bing™ brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. <a href='http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MLOGEN&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MLOGEN_Core_tagline_local_1x1' target='_new'>Try it now.</a></body>
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