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BACKYARD HENS
Feathered friends and fresh eggs.
By Terrie Miller
Chickens have been genetically engineered for
millennia to be friendly, no-fuss food-making
machines. Keeping a small backyard flock of these
charming birds may be easier than you think, and
the eggs you’ll get are tastier and more nutritious
than what you buy in the store.
Photography by Terrie Miller
Before you start, you might want to check local
ordinances. Many municipalities allow some number of hens, but forbid roosters. Don’t worry, you
don’t need roosters for egg production.
Choose the Breed(s)
and Flock Size
For most backyard flocks, you’ll want a docile,
friendly temperament combined with good egg
production. Some high-producing breeds, like
White Leghorns, have a reputation for being
ONE-TIME MATERIALS
Chicks
Large cardboard box
Plastic packing tape
Incandescent lamp with reflector
Thermometer
Chick feeder and waterer
Chicken coop with nest box and roosting area
Feeder and waterer for adult chickens
ONGOING SUPPLIES
Chicken feed age-appropriate formulas
Pine shavings or other litter for chicks
Straw for adults
Water
Calcium and grit supplements
Make: 157
