A few months after I started my urban homestead garden in a small backyard described in my earlier post i realized something important was missing i had fresh greens a few tomatoes herbs but i wanted the real homesteading experience Thats when i decided to integrate chickens into my setup
Why I Took The Leap
Living in the city Ive always appreciated green spacee connection to nature and knowing exactly where my food comes from adding chickens felt like the next logical step fresh eggs garden fertilize and an organic way to handle kitchen scraps
I checked local regulations and saw that i could keep up to three hens as long as they stayed quiet and clean That confirmed it for me keeping a small flock in an urban setting was entirely doable.
Building The Coop a DIY Weekend Project
I didnt want a fancy structure just something functional i scavenged untreated pallets and chicken wire scraps then built a basic coop with a small nesting area and roost bars i elevated the coop about a foot off the ground to deter rats and improve ventilation a tip i learned from extension guides recommending raised shelters for predator protection OSU Extension Service Poultry Wizard
Inside i set up roosting poles about 2 feet high giving each hen about 10 inches of space OSU Extension Service i added one nest box for every three hens basic but effective.
Keeping Space Tight But Clean
City backyards dont offer acres of land so every square foot counts i gave my hens about 4 sq ft each inside the coop and roughly 10 sq ft in the outdoor run area The Waddle and CluckEpic Gardening to keep things manageable i installed a movable coop often called a chicken tractor so i could slide it around and let the birds forage fresh ground this also doubled as free fertilizing
Cleaning meant daily spot checks and weekly bedding changes i used a deep litter method in winter layering straw and wood shavings that composted in place helping minimize odor while creating rich garden compost
Feeding And Health Simple And Effective
My hens get a high quality layer feed occasional kitchen scraps and lots of herbs like mint basil and rosemary inside their nesting boxes a tip to help with health and pest control they forage outside as well scratching for bugs grass and weeds which reduces feed costs and adds biodiversity to my plot.
I keep fresh water available at shoulder height feeders and clean them twice a day weekly coop maintenance includes raking droppings and checking for parasites i learned the hard way that clutter or damp bedding invites flies and smell cleaning regularly is essential
Handling Predators And Neighbors
Chickens attract attention not always welcome raccoons rats neighborhood dogs and even cats occasionally try to sneak in to prevent issues i used hardware cloth not chicken wire which predators can tear through for windows and run walls and buried mesh at least 12 inches underground
I also added two step latches on all doors to stop raccoons that can open siimple latches keeping the coop well vented stops odors thatt might bother neighbors and protects the hens from respiratory issues
The Rewards More Than Just Eggs
Eggs are the obvious win three hens provide enough for weekly breakfast for our family with extras shared with friends but the real payoff came with enriched soil reduced waste and the way my backyard transformed into a living ecosystem.
Chickens eat kitchen scraps and turn them into compost their scratching helps aerate soil before planting their presence lowered pests and increased biodiversity even toads and bees started visiting more often the mental payoff that feeling of self reliance knowing i could grow and raise food even inside a tiny backyard this is the heart of urban homesteading
What Ive Learned Along The Way
- Start small three hens fit my space and offer enough eggs without overcrowding
- Design matters nest box placement roost heigh and adequate ventilation all affect bird health
- Cleanliness is key a clean coop means happy neighbors and healthier hens
- Legal check first every city or township has different rules always verify before buying chicks
- Join the community connecting with local or online urban homesteaders helped me avoid many rookie mistakes
Next Steps In My Homestead Journey
Im working toward integrating rainwater harvesting to feed my coop and garden and Im learning about companion planting to reduce pests naturally through permaculture principles something Ill explore more in my upcoming posts in the Permaculture Design section of FarmSolo
Adding chickens to the mix transformed my backyard farm not only did i gain fresh eggs but I built a system that cycles waste into food and fertilizer if youd like to follow along next Ill share how i set up my rain barrel system and compost cycle in future posts