Spring is in the air, and like many of you, I visited my local farm supply shop this weekend to pick up compost for my garden. As soon as I walked in, I was distracted by the sounds of little peeps coming from big tubs on the ground. It took every ounce of my willpower not to walk straight to the register with a box full of chirping, little fluff-balls.
Years ago, my family and I built a chicken coop in our backyard, repurposing an old children's playhouse into a palace for chickens. We've raised our own flock for nearly ten years, enjoying both the fresh eggs and the sheer pleasure of their quirky personalities. Over the years, I’ve learned that a successful flock starts with good planning.
Where to Begin?
While it is tempting to buy chicks on a whim, the first step is to check your local ordinances. In the City of Wilmington, a permit is required to keep backyard poultry alongside specific requirements for lot size and coop placement. It's also required (and just good practice) to inform neighbors of your intent to add chickens to your backyard. Hens are generally tidy and quiet, but many breeds love to loudly announce they’ve laid an egg! Be sure to also check your specific HOA covenants. In many places, roosters are prohibited, and fortunately, you do not need one to produce eggs for the table.
What Do Chickens Need?
Once you meet municipal requirements, you'll need to set up a safe and healthy environment for your chickens. They will need fresh food and water every day, along with a clean, dry, and secure shelter. In most municipalities, free-roaming chickens are not allowed. It's also vital to create a coop that can be closed tight against predators each night; foxes, raccoons, and hawks view your chickens as an easy meal. While my family had success with a repurposed wooden playhouse, remember that coops must meet biosecurity and comfort standards. A healthy hen needs roughly 3-5 square feet of indoor space and at least 8-10 square feet in an outdoor run.
Selecting Your Chicken Breeds
Once you are ready, determine how many birds you can comfortably accommodate. Keep in mind that each hen will produce around two eggs every three days during her first laying year, so ensure you can eat or give away all the eggs they produce. For North Carolina’s climate, NC State Extension recommends hardy breeds like Rhode Island Reds, which are prolific layers of brown eggs. If you want some color in your basket, Easter Eggers are a fun choice, known for laying blue or green eggs. Both breeds are generally friendly and well-suited for backyard coops.
Ultimately, the true reward of a backyard coop isn't just the fresh eggs, but the simple, clucking companionship and backyard pleasure these birds provide. For more information about backyard chickens, read "Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina."
Amy Mead is the County Extension Director in New Hanover County. She can be reached at afmead@ncsu.edu. Visit N.C. Cooperative Extension at the New Hanover County Arboretum.
