Backyard Raising Chickens in the City Raising chickens in the suburbs can be tough. With neighborhood problems, predators, and other issues to deal with, just walking you through becoming well-informed on how to raise chickens in the suburbs can walk you right through being successful at it! There used to be a time when backyard chickens were solely seen scratching and pecking in the fields, surrounded by wide open spaces. Nowadays, these creatures are just as likely to be found in a suburban backyard as they are in a rural one! If you're thinking about getting chickens, you'll want to think about the impact that your actions will have on your neighbors. After all, most people do not want their yards invaded by rowdy backyard poultry. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, neighbors often have complaints about overly aggressive birds mucking up gardens and property lines. This can cause damage to properties and, in some cases, may even get you a criminal charge! Having your chicken coop built with security fencing, barbed wire, or chicken wire will ensure that your birds cannot be easily accessed by predators. If you are raising hens for egg production, you might consider putting up nesting boxes on the outside of your coop, but be sure to put a lock on them as well! Predators can work quickly to access an egg laying hen house and this can deter any further attempts. The last thing you want is for your chickens to lay an egg, only to have it stolen! Raising chickens in your city requires you to keep up with your pest control. Roosters are pretty common sights in yards, especially around feeders and water containers. These birds have a variety of functions and, depending upon how you use them, they can help you control the pest problem in your yard. For example, roosters can carry disease-busting viruses and they can even help clean up the mess left behind when other animals or humans eat the chicken poop. Raccoons can also be a nuisance to urban families. While raccoons are naturally hunting creatures, they can really take a toll on your garden if you don't have some way to keep them out. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that your chicken wire is very thin. This will discourage raccoons from laying their eggs in your backyard. If you live in an area where raccoons are common, you may want to consider using natural repellents and call a wildlife specialist if you're still having a problem after trying these methods. You can also consider investing in some raccoon repellent that will keep them away from your valuables and other areas of your backyard. City farming is great for people who don't have a lot of space in their backyards. Raising chickens in your city provides them with the freedom to roam free and spread their wings. If you have a large backyard and don't have much space to spare, however, you should think about the benefits and drawbacks of raising your chickens as pets. While city chickens can provide some advantages, they may also prove to be a threat to your eggs and other livestock. City chickens tend to be more vulnerable to infestations, which can lead to reduced egg production and meat yield. Once you've decided whether or not to raise your birds as pets or for other purposes, you need to choose the right chicken coop for them. There are literally dozens of different breeds of chicken that are raised for different purposes in different parts of the country. The key to choosing the right breed for your hens is understanding their needs, how they're raised, what type of environment they like to live in, how they are classified in the chicken industry, and what types of things appeal to them. While many people choose breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Boston Red Apples, or Rhode Island White Chickens because of their suitability for urban life, those same chickens may not be the best choice for your yard. City dwellers need to think carefully about the size of their backyard and how many chickens they'd like to raise before making a decision. City dwellers should also be aware that some breeds lay more eggs in a smaller space than others. If you have a limited amount of space for your backyard chickens, you might want to consider purchasing a small coop so that you're sure your chickens will be able to nest in a safe place. You'll also have more peace of mind if you know exactly where your chickens are, which is something that only a good bird house can provide.