
The chicken run (the fenced in area just outside the coop) should be at least 8 square feet per bird. This Chicken Coop Size Calculator will make it easier to determine what size your chicken coop needs to be. However, you may want to go a little bigger or smaller depending on the breed and how long the hens may need to stay in the coop every day. Generally, you want 2 square feet of floor space per bird in the coop (also known as the “hen house”). For a custom coop, check local social media pages or search online for local builders who can create the right coop for your needs. Click here to Check Prices and Availability on Amazon. Many types of chicken coops and chicken coop kits can be purchased online. So, most urban chicken keepers don’t regret it when they make their backyard coop look nice. That’s a long time to look out at a structure every day. But a well-built coop will last for many years. A more attractive coop can be more expensive than a strictly utilitarian coop. (Yes, there are predators in the city-including cats, hawks and other wildlife.)Ī lot of urban chicken keepers prefer a nice-looking coop to complement their home. A good chicken coop must be large enough for your flock. The chicks you buy are color sexable, so you know right away how many hens and how many roosters you will have.Ĭhicken coops for a city backyard can vary a lot in size and materials. Golden comet-This modern hybrid “breed” develops quickly and begins laying brown eggs quickly, too.Consider one of these breeds if you have small children and want to keep a friendly backyard “hobby” flock. They also take confinement well and are poor fliers – a huge bonus if you do not want your chickens flying over your fence. These breeds rank high for their quiet temperaments, gentle nature and decent laying ability. Best All-Around Birds for Urban Chicken Keeping Keep in mind, temperament and laying ability can vary from breed to breed and from individuals within each breed. But below is a good starter list based on common backyard chicken keeping needs. The Best Breeds for Raising Urban ChickensĬhances are your family will be happy with any one of dozens of popular chicken breeds. Do I want to free-range my chickens-and is that allowed in my neighborhood?.How much space do I have for a chicken coop and run?.How hot and cold does it get in my climate?.Why do I want chickens? (Fresh eggs daily, meat, pets-or a combination of these?).Before heading to the nearest feed store for a flock of chicks, ask yourself the following questions to get a good idea of the kind of chicken breed you want: Not every chicken is going to suit your family’s needs, and there are an estimated 500 chicken breeds in the world to choose from. These limitations can include a restriction on the number of chickens you can keep and where you can put your chicken coop. Keeping urban chickens, even when allowed, usually has some limitations. Check with your neighborhood Homeowners Association to make sure having backyard chickens is allowed. Not everyone can keep chickens in their backyard, so do your research beforehand and read up on the relevant rules, laws and local regulations. What to do Before Raising Urban Chickens 1. Despite the initial challenges, urban chicken keepers everywhere are finding that a backyard flock of chickens is rewarding and well worth the effort. There are also legal limitations and possibly HOA rules that impact raising urban chickens. Plus, unless a chicken coop is well maintained and cleaned regularly, it can start to smell like a barnyard.

But even then its appearance should be as attractive as possible. Typically, an urban chicken coop is located in a backyard where it will be less visible to the neighbors. For starters, urban chicken keepers must take noise, location, appearance and smell into account. When it comes to raising chickens, there are a few notable differences between the city and the country.
