Keeping a few chooks in the backyard used to be something only Grandpa did. But it seems the popularity of the backyard chicken with young families and inner city residents is on the rise in Brisbane for lots of reasons.
Here are some of the benefits of keeping chickens:
- Eggs! It just feels so good to collect warm, fresh eggs and break them into the pan for brekky
- You know your chickens have a humane life and are well fed
- It's an easy way to dispose of food scraps
- The kids might like them as pets
- They can play a part in a healthy productive garden, eating bugs and weeds and fertilising the soil.
But what do you need to know to keep chickens and what are the rules about keeping them in your suburban Brisbane backyard?
Number of birds
On a property less than 800m2, you are allowed to keep 6 chickens, ducks or geese without a permit. If your land is greater than 800m2, then you can keep up to 20 fowl. Your hens are able to free range but a cage is recommended for the birds' safety from predators at night.
There are different rules for different councils. Check the regulations for keeping backyard poultry in:
Breeds
There are dozens of books in libraries about the basics of keeping chickens. Popular breeds for backyard pets include Lowman Brown, Isabrown hens, Black Australorp cross and White Leghorn cross breeds. There are also the cute fluffy bantams. Or maybe you'd prefer ducks and geese for something different.
Roosters
No roosters are allowed in Brisbane's residential areas. They are permitted on acreage, provided they aren't a noise nuisance. When buying chickens, it may be best to purchase chickens that are ready to lay (called point of lay), rather than the cute, fluffy day old chicks. That way you know you won't be left with a rooster which needs to be gotten rid of.
Health and pest concerns
Snakes, rats and other pests may be attracted to the henhouse and chickens. Council regulations are clear on the need of poultry owners to keep the chicken's areas clean and free of odour and the use of rodent-proof food containers. A strong cage and vigilance over cleaning up food scraps and cleaning the cage are essential.
Buying chickens and coops
Newcomers to the world of chicken-raising can give the birds a trial run in their garden. How? Well, an innovative Brisbane business called City Chicks offers a monthly rental system of two chickens, their coop, food and everything you need. You can buy the complete package or if it doesn't work out for you then simply give the chooks back. What an idea!
Or look at buying a movable coop from McCallum Made Chicken Tractors. This company can supply food, hens and accessories too, with weekly delivery to Brisbane.
You can also try and construct your own chicken palace out of scrap building materials. But in Brisbane a chook shed must be at least one metre from any dividing fence.
Produce and pet shops may sell products to keep your chooks happy.
Northey Street City Farm runs occassional workshops about raising chickens.
Share your tips and stories about keeping chickens in Brisbane.
I've a brace of silkie hens that bring me considerable pleasure and omelettes.....bewdiful