Myths abound about our clucky friends, like If you were born lucky, even your rooster will lay eggs. We address and BUST the most common misconceptions about keeping chickens; from how noisy they are (not very), to how great they are at natural pest control for gardens, revealing why urban chicken coops are the next big thing in urban agriculture.
Myth #1: Urban Chickens carry diseases
Truth: small urban flocks of chickens have no risk of avian flu transmission to humans. In 2006 the Grain report stated, “When it comes to bird flu, diverse small-scale poultry is the solution, not the problem.” Avian flu presents in large-scale production of chickens, when they are kept in small spaces, with high levels of stress affecting their immune systems.
Myth #2: Too noisy to keep in an urban setting
Truth: The truth is that laying hens, at their loudest have about the same decibel level as human conversation (60 to 70 decibels). In fact people have kept chickens for years without their neighbors knowing! To put in perspective, a barking dog has a higher decibel level of 90.
Myth #3: Cause waste and odor
Truth: A 40lb dog produces more waste than 10 chickens. In addition to that, chicken waste can be used as fertilizer; it has high levels of nitrogen, which is good for your garden soil.
Myth #4: Attract predators, pests and rodents
Truth: Predators and rodents are already living in urban areas. Trash cans, bird feeders and household pets attract raccoons, foxes, rodents and flies. The type of coop you keep will keep out the larger predators from harming your chickens, and your chickens are part of your pest solution. Chickens are avid carnivores and will seek out pests like ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, slugs and mice.
Myth #5: Property values will decrease
Truth: There are no documents that support this that we have found. In fact there are some Realtors saying that it may increase property values in a time where green neighborhoods and residents are valuing local healthy food.
Myth #6: Coops are Ugly
Truth: Coops ideal for small flocks can be designed in a charming upscale way. Common designs often blend in with nature and local architecture with complementing color schemes.
Myth #7: What will the Neighbors Think?
Truth: You can’t control what your neighbors will think, but your neighbors will most likely understand the advantages of chickens. Especially when your share your delicious heart healthy eggs with them! Just think - neighbors can’t control if you have a large pit-bull, eight load motorcycles, or a house full of children. Why should they care if you have a small flock of chickens?
Learn more about the many benefits of raising your own backyard chickens, like fewer trips to the therapist. Really!
Then join us for an Urban Chicken-Keeping Workshop with expert Khrysti Smyth to learn the basics of keeping your own small flock.
