Egg prices are on the rise due to an outbreak of avian influenza, which caused the loss of millions of chickens at major egg producers across the U.S. But before you decide this might be a good time to acquire chickens of your own, here are some important considerations:
• Do you know whether your local community allows chickens? The first step is to check your local ordinances to see whether your city allows you to keep chickens on your property. You can often find local ordinances on your city’s website or through Municode. Even if your local ordinances allow you to keep chickens, take careful note of any special rules or restrictions. In some communities, you must first file an application for a permit and pay a fee. There may be a prohibition on having roosters or a limit on the number of birds you are allowed to have. There may also be rules regarding the type and location of shelter that must be provided. You may be required to get written permission from your neighbors (which is likely a good idea even if it is not a legal requirement).
• Are you prepared for the commitment of owning chickens? Like any animal, chickens require fresh water, nutritious food, veterinary care, and shelter that protects them from the weather and from predators and that must be cleaned regularly. Before acquiring any birds, you will want to be sure that you will be able to provide for their needs, which requires a commitment of time and money. (Those home-raised eggs are not “free” after all!)
• How many eggs can you expect? Hens start laying eggs at about 18 weeks of age. A well-fed, healthy hen will lay about an egg a day at her peak production, which slowly declines over the years. Also, most hens will lay fewer eggs in the fall and winter. Hens retire from egg production at around 6 to 7 years old, and they have an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.
• Did you know you can adopt chickens? If you decide keeping chickens is for you, please consider adoption! Michigan Humane frequently has chickens available for adoption. (These are often birds that had to be surrendered by owners who acquired them without checking to see if they were allowed to be kept in their city.)
If your city has an ordinance against keeping chickens that you’d like to change, here are some tips to accomplish that.