Keeping Backyard Chickens
A few hens give you eggs, pest control, manure for compost, and endless entertainment.
Choosing breeds
In the warm South and Southwest, favor heat-tolerant breeds with large combs that shed heat: Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, Easter Eggers and the like. Avoid heavily feathered or tiny-comb breeds in extreme heat.
The coop
- Allow about 4 sq ft per bird inside and 8-10 sq ft in the run.
- Prioritize shade and ventilation over insulation in hot climates; airflow keeps birds alive in summer.
- Predator-proof with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) and a secure latch.
- One nest box per 3-4 hens, plus a roost bar.
Feeding & care
Layer feed plus grit and a calcium source (oyster shell). Kitchen and garden scraps are great extras, see what chickens can and can't eat. Always provide cool, clean water, doubly important in heat.
Heat is the #1 risk in the South. Deep shade, cool water, frozen treats and good airflow prevent heat stress. Watch for panting and lethargy on hot afternoons.
Their bedding and manure are a prime compost ingredient, closing the loop back to the garden.