(Image source: http://ourchickenhouseplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chickendog.jpg)
When it comes to pets, cats and dogs have long been the favorites. Yet I wonder: in a turbulent, resource-constrained world, where certain things can no longer be taken for granted, perhaps chickens (and cows and goats) will end up ruling the roost?
If the developments detailed by the Daily Times in "'Like Having a Houseplant,'" are any guide, then you better get ready for a lot more of those early morning cock-a-doodle-do's.
More Delmarva homeowners are keeping chickens in their backyards
CLAYTON, Del. -- Chickens can be affectionate -- just ask Lisa Coleman.
In her backyard she keeps 32 hens and a rooster, a clucking flock who rushes to Coleman when she comes outside. When she calls a hen's name, it responds by looking up.
That's right, Coleman and her husband have named each of the birds. They're named after characters in the 1970s TV show, "The Waltons," a drama following a large family living in Virginia's mountains during the Great Depression.
"We call them the 'girls,' " Coleman, 44, said of her backyard flock, which since 2005 has lived the life of free-range chickens on her property in Clayton in Kent County.
Homeowners across Delmarva, many without any formal training, are increasingly purchasing chickens to keep in small backyard coops. It is part of a nationwide trend, playing out in large urban areas, such as Brooklyn and Baltimore, and also in less populated, rural areas.
Their interest is fueled, in part, by a preference for having fresh eggs available. (Coleman's hens lay anywhere between 18 to 26 eggs on most days, she said).
Still, it's simpler -- and often more cost-effective -- to go to the supermarket for eggs. So why do people insist on keeping backyard birds?
"It's cause of the sustainable living (trend) and knowing where your food comes from," said Brigid McCrea, an extension agent with Delaware State University. "In the last 18 months, we've seen a tremendous increase in interest."
McCrea is an expert on how to start your own flock. Earlier this month, she wrapped up a class on the basics of hen raising to beginners. The burning question for many, she said, is what chicken house to buy, as that's the "big ticket" item, often carrying a price tag of more than $500.
"You need a coop where you can stand up in. It's better for cleaning," McCrea said.
McCrea outlined other startup costs. In this example, McCrea gave the example of one purchasing the following: six chicks, vaccinations included ($24); a feeder and watering device ($15); a brooder lamp for the chicken house ($15); a bag of feed, to last about three weeks ($15).
Chicken (Regulations) Dance
Homeowners interested in starting their own flock should first check with the local zoning authority to see if any restrictions exist, McCrea said.
"You must be good neighbors," she said.
Many homeowner's associations are also likely to ban the birds, due to concerns they will be noisy or smelly.
Wicomico, Worcester and Somerest counties do not restrict people from keeping a small flock of chickens in residential areas, according to zoning officials in the counties.
The hen raising, however, can't grow into a large operation that is for commercial purposes, said Jack Lenox, the director of Planning and Zoning for Wicomico County.
"You can raise chickens for your own use," Lenox said.
Salisbury prohibits the presence of chickens and other farm animals in its residential districts, said John Pick, the city administrator. Occasionally, a resident will call the city and complain about the policy, but he doesn't think there's any place for chickens in Salisbury.
"There just is a conflict between an urban environment and farm animals," Pick said.
People who have chickens -- even down to just one hen -- are also required to register them with their state department of agriculture, according to officials in Maryland and Delaware. Registration is free.
"It's a precaution, in case of emergency, should we have an avian influenza outbreak. We would want to notify and then test all backyard flocks," said Anne Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman with the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
In Maryland, 2,100 backyard flocks are registered statewide, which is an increase of 43 percent from when the state first began requiring the registration in 2006, said Julie Oberg, a spokeswoman with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Bill Satterfield, executive director of Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc., said as long as backyard poultry enthusiasts follow biosecurity regulations, Delmarva's multibillion industry doesn't mind the proliferation of the practice.
Bird is the word
Guests to the Steer Inn Tavern in Berlin are familiar to the fowl who have lived in a coop behind the restaurant for two years.
Restaurant owner Skip McGarry said the two roosters and four hens are a great conversation starter among his guests. As he likes to brag, the restaurant has "the cutest chickens in town."
Plus, the birds are incredibly easy to take care of, he said.
"The easiest way to explain it is that it's like having a houseplant. All you have to do is feed and water them," McGarry said.
Federal health regulations prohibit McGarry from using the hens' eggs in the restaurant, so he gives them away to friends. The only problem McGarry reports is that the chickens have an appetite for his flower bed.
Dr. Ron Poisker of Johnson-McKee Animal Hospital in Salisbury is one of the few veterinarians around who will treat chickens.
A chicken's lifespan is about 10 years, although their ability to lay eggs will taper off by then, he said. Many of the chickens Poisker said he treats suffer from malnourishment issues. They are also prone to respiratory infections.
While chickens are susceptible to contracting the West Nile Virus and Avian flu, Poisker said they don't pose a greater health threat as pets to children or adults than do dogs or cats.
Since she started her backyard flock three years ago, Coleman has viewed her birds as her pets. She also has three dogs -- a Jack Russell Terrier, German short-haired pointer and Jack Russell and Sheltie mix -- that co-exist well with the chickens.
Coleman said her neighbors are given her the nickname the "chicken lady." She welcomes the attention.
"It's the best thing we've ever done," Coleman said.
LOL, that is one gorgeous photo! As for chooks (aussie slang for chickens) we keep 12 bantam hens and one rooster, we love the eggs, bug catching and manure they provide us with, and yes, if we had to we could eat them, although I shudder at the thought lol!
Posted by: molly | August 24, 2009 at 07:48 PM
I have a wirehair pointer and am surrprised the pointer and chickens live together peacefully. Good luck!
Posted by: Erich Riesenberg | August 25, 2009 at 11:20 AM