BAWK!!!! BAWK!!!!
Have you ever heard the squawking of a chicken laying an egg? It’s a delightful sound like no other that promises the gift of a fresh egg to fry, scramble or use in a recipe. I began keeping backyard chickens in 2010, when Columbia first allowed up to six chickens (but no roosters) per tract of land. Our younger son and I attended an introductory workshop sponsored by Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, and we were off on a new adventure!
Backyard chickens are incredibly easy and fun to raise and maintain, from the tiny, fluffy chicks to the robust, mature hens. I’ve gathered some resources to help you begin this fun hobby. First, here are a few basic guides:
- Backyard Chickens by Nancy Ross. A beginner’s guide to get you started.
- Chicken Keeping Pure + Simple: A Fun, Friendly Guide to Backyard Chicken Keeping by Nikki Husted. Straight-forward information from @purelychickens on TikTok.
- An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Backyard Chickens: Watch Chicks Grow from Hatchlings to Hens by Jenna Woginrich. This book serves as a visual diary for the first six months of raising chickens. Lots of images and fun text follow the growth of three hens. Additionally, the author offers advice on behavior, breeds, feed and housing.
Keeping backyard chickens proved to be a wonderful experience to have as a family. In my case, I struck a deal with our sons: If they cleaned the coop regularly, they could sell any excess eggs that we didn’t use within our family and pocket the cash. As a result, they learned to assume responsibility for cleaning an animal’s dwelling, to run a small business and to face the unfortunate reality of death (sometimes violent) by predators. Here are a few suggestions for kids to look through:
- Backyard Chickens by Avery Reed. This level 3 text is great for new readers to learn about the topic.
- Young Chicken Farmers: Tips for Kids Raising Backyard Chickens by Vicki Black. Another helpful book if you’d like to make this project a family endeavor.
Finally, learning about chickens can become addictive. If you’re ready to move on from beginning steps, here are some ideas to continue your engagement:
- Chickens. If you’ve never used the Libby app to access online magazines, now’s your chance. This bi-monthly publication offers current info about molting,
coops and much more, along with beautiful images.
- Let’s All Keep Chickens! The Down-to-Earth Guide to Natural Practices for Healthier Birds and a Happier World by Dalia Monterroso. This guide emphasizes mindfulness when keeping chickens. Bonus: The author includes anecdotes from the author’s parents’ time in Guatemala, as well as several Guatemalan family recipes featuring eggs.
- Backyard Chickens: Beyond the Basics by Pam Freeman. Eager to learn a bit more? The author is the editor of Backyard Poultry and Countryside magazines.
Since my last hen fell victim to a critter this summer, I’ve been slowly dismantling my coop and most likely am finished with my backyard chicken era. But who knows if I’ll feel the same way next spring when chicks are available through local suppliers, and I might be tempted to start again with a new batch!
