Ask SAM: Playing chicken in the backyard

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

We would like to raise some animals on our property, but can't decide what to get. We have never owned farm animals and would like this to be a family project. Do you have any suggestions?

Noah

Dear Noah,

Raising animals can be an enjoyable aspect of rural living. Caring for animals is a great way for children to learn responsibility while having fun.

Perhaps the easiest path into animal husbandry is paved with chickens. Chickens are cheap, require minimal care and provide a consistent flow of eggs to reward your labor.

Poultry require a small shelter with at least 3 square feet of floor space per bird. A garden shed can make a great chicken coop. The interior should contain a shelf with nesting boxes and some crossbars for roosting. A dirt floor is easiest to maintain.

A poultry yard attached to the coop gives chickens access to the outdoors. Completely enclose the yard with poultry netting, including the roof. A secure yard and building is essential to prevent predation. When installing the netting, dig an 8-inch deep, 12-inch wide trench around the perimeter of the enclosure. Install netting to the bottom of the trench and out away from the enclosure, then refill the trench. This prevents predators from digging under the netting.

Provide water and feed dispensers with easy access. Large dispensers hold enough food and water to supply five birds for about five days. This allows you to go away for a long weekend, returning to find fresh eggs for an omelet.

Roosters can be aggressive, unpleasant tenants. If you want the best possible experience for your children, make your flock a women's group. Hens will lay eggs without a rooster in residence. Female chicks can be purchased at most feed stores. If one of the chicks turns out to be a rooster, you can give it to someone with a soup pot.

Many poultry breeds are available. Some are bred for egg or meat production. Others have been bred for attractive plumage. Auracanas lay green or blue eggs, while other breeds produce white, brown or red eggs. Many backyard flocks contain several breeds. Observing the differences between breeds adds to the fun.

Raising poultry in small flocks is one of 12 small acreage topics to be discussed on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Colorado Agriculture Big and Small in Greeley. Other topics include pasture and weed management, horse care, buying a tractor and many others. Pre-register prior to Feb. 16 by calling Larimer County Extension at 498-6000. Cost is $35 for a full-day program, including lunch.

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524 or e-mail emarx@larimer.org.