Backyard Chickens: Quick Tips #1!

Hello Farm Friends!
It’s Kendall from Dalby Farm, here in Scituate, MA. It’s been a few (years) since I have dedicated myself to posting on our blog, but there is no time like the present!

For my first “quick tips” topic, I wanted to touch base on something I know many friends near and far either do already, or want to pursue in the near future; keeping backyard chickens! Tis the season to start buying/ordering baby chicks but please makes sure you are aware of all angles prior to taking action.

I will be posting more in depth on this in the weeks to come, but to kick things off, here are my top 4 “Things to know” before you start ordering chicks for your back yard! It applies to anyone and everyone!

1) Chickens are PREY. This means they may attract predators to you back yard. It would be wise to get to know your backyard / naturally recurring wildlife that may pose a threat to any animals/livestock.

2) Some towns/cities have very strict rules and regulations around homesteading animals/birds. Some people have touchy neighbors who don’t like new noise / roosters crowing etc. Simply put, make sure you are “allowed” to keep chickens before you go and buy them.

3) Have a PLAN! Realize that you can’t just get 1 chicken, you should start a small flock for the health and wellbeing of the bird(s). You can’t just go away for days and weeks at a time, leaving them without care. They are new members of your family. You must ensure they are fed, watered, given safe outside time and always ability to be protected from the elements / predators - DAILY! This it a real commitment, they depend on you.

4) Consider the breed. We have made a conscious effort to get more Australorps. They WERE on the Livestock Conservancy, but as of 2023- graduated the list! This is “egg-cellent” and we will be keeping our eye on the next best “endangered” layer to support moving forward.