Expert: Abi - 3/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I love chickens and wonder if it is feasible to keep 2 hens in my backyard allowing them to roam freely during the day. My yard is very secure fence wise. I have room to make a coop and have no poison plants growing. I live in a suburb of Sacramento where this is allowed. I am concerned about hawks and other predators, but I'm more concerned if this would be in the best interest of the birds. I could have no more than two and would want to give them the best possible life. Is this a good idea? Many thanks to you.

ANSWER: Hello Janet,

This is absolutely feasible! Many people in inner cities keep a couple of bantams in their backyard, for free eggs and friendship! How big exactly is your garden? Three is always a better number than two as then you can have a proper pecking order. If your garden is relatively predator-proof then they should be fine. If you get little bantams you could have a few more than two. My sister lived in Birmingham and had a tiny weeny garden, and had five BIG chickens at one point, so if you garden isn't just a tiny balcony you should be fine!

Ask as many follow ups as you like if you need help setting up your chicken palace!

Thanks for your question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bantams are exactly the breed I have my heart set on and thank you for clarifying the optimal number to keep. I wonder if you know of a book for a beginner that would be helpful in educating me on proper feeding, health issues, housing etc? I would love to ask you a million questions but there are other people who need you! My yard is of average size and fenced with that solid vinyl type material so no holes or rotting places. Once again...many thanks!

Answer
It sounds like you're the perfect candidate for some hens! I like Booted Bantams for little gardens, but I suggest you go to a chicken fancier and find some little ones he/she can advise you on.

A couple of good books to get are Starting With Chickens by Katie Thear

And The Encyclopedia of Chickens (with a good breed section)  
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Encyclopedia-Chickens-Esther-Verhoef-Verhallen/dp
I love that book, the photographs are beautiful and it's really informative.

Don't worry about asking follow ups, I do like answering these sorts of questions! :)

Thanks